In our basement sit 12 small truck tool boxes stacked neatly, ready to be packed. (It’s a lot harder to find luggage suitable for moving overseas than you might think.)
We now have only two months between us and our goal departure date in February. Everything that we own needs to either be used up, given up, or packed up. That makes this coming Christmas a little different for our family this year.
We have very clear plans for those boxes, they were bought for a purpose. As of right now though, all 12 of those boxes remain empty. Like those boxes we too were bought for a purpose, and God has very clear plans for us. He has faithfully been leading us over the last 10 years of our marriage, patiently teaching us and preparing us for the ministry.
Today, He continues to teach me to value Him more than anything else. He continues to teach me to trust Him even in the midst of the unknown. You might have noticed a few lines ago I said that February was our goal departure date. It remains our goal as we are still seeking to finish raising our financial support. Currently we have 51% 64% (updated 1/6/16) raised. 75% is needed before we can purchase tickets, and 100% would allow us to serve with minimal financial stress. With deadlines looming it is easy to feel discouraged.
Instead, let me tell you how we are NOT like those boxes: We are not empty!
Jesus has not failed us once. His love, His grace, His mercy fill us to the brim. Because of what is inside we can face the daunting task on the outside. Our part is to remain faithful, and serve Him in every opportunity.
Please pray not only for God’s provision, but also our diligence.
Pray that soon those boxes might be more like us: Filled up.