Seeing the beauty of Gods' planned timing!

While I am here in South Africa, I must confess that at times I struggle in finding purpose. Some days are simply just busier than others. My dilemma is learning how to find the balance between the desire to be a steward of the grace that God has entrusted to me and not having things to do. If I have my days mapped out with lots of things to do I feel more productive. This of course is not a biblical thought. So, lately I have been asking the Lord to allow me to find ministry opportunities in the most unplanned and unexpected ways. God is so kind because He has exceedingly abundantly answered my prayer.

A couple of weeks ago, one of the Lambano ladies came to me and asked for help in studying the Bible. Just like many of us, at times we read the Scriptures but struggle to find meaning. It was clear to me that this young lady had a sincere desire to become closer to our Lord. This past week, I met with her and another young lady and I shared with them basic tools that could be used to better understand the Scriptures. She was really appreciative…Praise God!

Another opportunity that was given to me occurred on Sunday. Another lady on staff asked me to talk with her 17 year old daughter about respect, manners etc. A few months ago Martha and I helped this young lady with a school assignment and this opened up the door to form a relationship with her. This young lady has been coming to church with me for the past 2 weeks or so. This past Sunday we went out for brunch during which we talked about her past and her present life. She is such a sweet young lady. I shared with her the story of Jesus after which she asked, what should she do to be a Christian? This was great because the Bible is the source of answer for all these questions. I shared some parts of the bridge diagram (thanks Zo) with her. The bridge diagram is a method that uses Romans 6:23 as the basis in which our depravity is revealed and the grace and hope of God is magnified. I shared passages like Romans 3:23; Romans 10: 9-10; Ephesians 2: 8-9 and Isaiah 53: 4-7 with her. We then went on a little expedition to find her a Bible. I bought her a really cute Bible and a journal (thanks financial supporters). As we were leaving the bookstore, she said that her life was going to change. Please, please, please pray for this young lady! I really do hope that her life will change through Christ.

Remember, I said that God answered my initial prayer in an exceedingly abundantly manner! So last night Martha and I went out for dinner. After dinner, I decided that I would stop by my favorite ice cream shop and purchase my favorite ice cream, rum and raisin (this is not an alcoholic ice-cream…well it has about 1% of rum). Anyways, because I visit this place so frequently and because of my obvious accent, I have had the opportunity to share with 3 of the employees my reason for being in SA. I have especially built a small relationship with one particular lady who by the way is a Christian. Last night she showed me a book that was given to her by a customer. The book talked about speaking in tongues, and how one isn’t truly saved unless they speak in tongues. This young lady was so perplexed by what she was reading! She said she has been a Christian for 2 years and she never spoke in tongues. I told her that I have been a Christian for over 7 years and I have never spoken in tongues either. Long story short, I told her that book was a falsifiable interpretation of the Scriptures, especially Acts 2! Martha and I encouraged her to throw the book away! She did and we encouraged her to be discerning about the things she reads. We exchanged numbers with her and I hope that we can establish a relationship with her.

Why do I mention all these stories??????

Well, for a couple of reasons! If you are reading this and you are a Christian, regardless of if you are on the mission field, a student, a wife, an accountant or whomever. At times we all struggle with finding a purpose in God’s redemptive plan. We don’t always see how the mundane things of life have anything to do with the kingdom of God and this of course can be discouraging. But, take heart that no matter where you are in your life, if you are a Christian God wants to use you for your good (sanctification) and for His glory. I have been reading “Battling Unbelief” by John Piper and in this book, he spoke about having faith in future grace. Last night, I read the chapter that spoke about battling patience. Patience is definitely a fruit of the spirit because in my flesh I am unable to be patient. Anyways, in light of everything I said, I take comfort in the truths that patience comes from the heart that truly trust in the wisdom of God’s timing and the goodness of God’s guidance. In Pipers own words he says patience is “…a deepening, ripening, peaceful willingness to wait for God in the unplanned place of obedience, and to walk with God at the unplanned pace of obedience – to wait in his place, and go at his pace.”

I am glad that God does not work according to my agenda but according to His own. Because ofthis, I am learning to wait on the Lord as a servant waits for her Master, and it is in this place that I find the beauty of God’s perfect timing!

“Wait for the LORD, my soul does wait, And in His word do I hope. My soul waits for the Lord More than the watchmen for the morning; Indeed, more than the watchmen for the morning…hope in the LORD; For with the LORD there is lovingkindness, And with Him is abundant redemption.” (Psalms 130: 5-7)