I've heard it said that one needs to find where God is working and join Him there in His work. OK, but there are many opportunities to do that. He is working in many ways and in many places. So, how do I know where I am to work?
Years ago, I would have said I never want to go to _______, but at this point, I can't think of anyplace that I would say, "I will NOT go to ______." I like to travel and experience new places, meet new people, and get a glimpse of what life is like outside of the US when I can. Did you know that only a third of the world lives as we do in America?? Two-thirds of the world lives in ways most of us can't even imagine. We are so blessed and take so much for granted.
I have been to Haiti four times and to Guatemala two times. I will be returning there in less than a month! I am anxious to see new friends, family, and the children at the school that His Hands Support Ministries supports. I had resigned myself to the fact that I would most likely need to focus mostly on Guatemala and limit my trips to there, even though I have have a heart for Haiti, too.
Now I am faced with another possibility of service..... someplace I have not considered because, well..., I just wasn't interested. This morning I was asked if I would consider going to Africa for 2 weeks in Nov/Dec. I would like to see parts of Africa, but have not had the desire to go to where His Hands For Africa ministers. They go to Uganda, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Rwanda. Nope. No desire! Yet, when I see TV stories or pictures of others who have been someplace in Africa and seen the children's faces, I feel a tug on my heart to go.
It makes me think of the Scripture, "Seek your happiness [delight] in the LORD, and he will give you your heart's desire." (GNT). I don't take that to mean that we get whatever we ask for, but that if we are seeking our happiness in God, he will put the right desires in our hearts. ... is Africa His desire for me?
In a book I am reading, it said to earnestly desire to be used of God (I do), one must empty themselves of hidden agendas, dreams & desires. Only in being emptied of self can we make room for what God wants to do in and through our lives. It sounds as though perhaps I am being tested. Do I really desire to be used?
Of course my biggest drawback to going and my immediate response when asked was, "I can't go there! I can't afford it!" No, I can't afford it; my Father in heaven can. He's proven it before with every trip I have taken. Either He has provided the needed funds through others or He has given me the funds through other means. Why do I doubt?
It sounds as though I know what I should do, but I know I need to pray. So that is the reason I am writing this - to ask my friends to pray for God's will to be absolutely, without a doubt, revealed to me within the next few weeks. If you have any words of Scripture or if God gives you something else to share with me, please do.
Thank you for reading and for praying.
J-ME
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