Lessons on Trust

I did not realize how confused I was with God's plan until last night. I am at Galmi today, a missionary hospital that has internet and some wonderful people. I like to come on Sunday afternoons, spend the night and leave on Monday. The Sunday night worship service is very encouraging, especially when it has been weeks since I have heard anyone else's thoughts on the Bible. This week it was led by an amazing missionary family and was such a blessing!

I was confused with God's plan because ever since the four people expressed interest in Jesus Christ and prayed, every attempt at meeting with them has been thwarted. Harvest time is the busiest time of year, one of the men is very sick, and the woman told me that she wants me to pray that she will get lots of money so that she can take her parents to Mecca. I did not know what to do with all this.

Then, last night in the service my friend mentioned that one of the themes of the book of Mark is the journey that the disciples were on. They were constantly learning from being with Jesus much like we are today. One of the things they were learning is that "real trust is proven in the midst of confusion." The disciples understood the good things that Jesus did and some of his teachings, but the hard part came when He spoke about his death. If they could have trusted then... They could not understand what He was doing, what this plan was of His that He would die. But they trusted.

That is where I found myself this morning, pondering these thoughts when I read Psalms 40. Verses 3 and 4 say, "He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord. Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside false gods."

It all came together. I need to trust God even when I am confused. He has promised us that He will take care of us and that everything is going according to His plan.

Today, I have a new song, a song of praise to our God. And that is my message to the Fulani.

Please Pray

Two men and two women in Village D who are interested but being kept from understanding the truth.

One man who is sick. He needs God's healing touch. Pray also that he will be willing to seek medical attention if that is God's will.

One woman who is so blinded by desire for money and possessions that she loses sight of the greatest possession of all, one that she can never lose, the salvation of Jesus Christ.

Pray for all the women of Village D that they would desire to know God. Many are content not pursuing any relationship or knowledge of God because they have been told for years that it is for men only or that women are not smart enough to understand the things of God.

As the month of fasting ends I will be spending the day in this village celebrating with them. It will be held on Sunday the 22nd of October. Please pray that I will get the opportunity to share some stories on that day.

I feel a burden to share with the group of men who constitute the leadership in the village. Please pray with me that I will have boldness and wisdom in doing that. And that they would accept the truth that I will share with them.

"God, why did you send me?"

You are who you are for a reason

You're part of an intricate plan

You are God's precious, unique woman or man

You look like you for a reason,

Our God made no mistake.

He knit you together in the womb

You're just who He wanted to make.

The parents you had were the ones He chose

no matter how you feel.

They were custom designed with God's plan in mind

and they too bear the Master's seal.

No, the trauma you faced was not easy

and God wept that it hurt you so

but it was allowed to shape your heart

so that in His likeness you'd grow.

You are who you are for a reason.

You've been formed by the master's rod.

You are who you are, beloved,

because there is a GOD.

--Russell Kelfer