Paige- We've Come This Far By Faith

Today is my birthday (there's a time difference but it's November 21st in Madagascar)! I am 26 years young and blessed beyond measure (I know that sounds cheesy but it is true).   A year ago today, I was in a long distance relationship with a great guy from Connecticut.  We got very serious very quickly and we had even talked about marriage.  Last year, if you asked me where I would be right now, I would have told you about my plans to take the Connecticut Bar Exam and move closer to my boyfriend.  Madagascar was not even on my radar.  My how things change! I soon realized that being in a serious relationship was not in God’s will for me and so, after drawing it out longer than I probably should have, I ended the relationship in February.  It was sad and all, but I had faith and confidence that it was the right thing to do and I am very thankful for the experience of the relationship.  It was something I had to go through to get to where I am now.  I am stronger in my faith and in a deeper relationship with Christ than I have ever been.    It’s like the proverbial monkey with his fist stuck in a jar grasping a banana which he refuses to let go; if the monkey would just ease his grip, someone could give him a whole bunch of bananas. Like the silly monkey, I sometimes catch myself not wanting to let go of what is comfortable because I am afraid of what will (or won’t) be handed to me.  Even though I know that God’s ways and thoughts are better than mine (Isaiah 55:8-9), I still sometimes have trouble trusting Him and allowing His plans to manifest in my life.  However, as soon as I let go of my lofty life plans and put my faith and God, He trusted me with Madagascar.  God trusted me.  He softened the heart of my boss to give me the time off from work and He provided for me financially so that I could wholeheartedly serve Him and the Malagasy people.  When in fact, the Malagasy have served me, loved me, blessed me, taught me and given me more than I think I will ever be able to serve, love, bless, teach or give in my lifetime. 

I don’t know everyone who will read this or where you were a year ago, but I encourage you to let go of whatever you are holding onto and let God give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4).  That doesn’t mean that He is like a fairy godmother who will turn a pumpkin and mice into a horse drawn carriage, but He is perfect, righteous and sovereign and the closer you move to Him, the more you’ll want His will to manifest in your life. Suddenly, the horse drawn carriage won’t look as attractive as it once did.  It is all an exercise of faith, “…being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1).  And if you have already let go of some things that you once held dear to you, continue to have faith and don’t look back.  There is a blessing in every lesson that God teaches us and He always works things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

We have less than 3 weeks left in Manakara and it is my prayer that we finish strong.  Please pray the same and also pray that we don’t get so excited about returning home that we check out early.  Pray that we let go of everything except our mission to serve and share the gospel. I don't know where we will be a year from now, but I know that we have come this far by faith and we will only go further if we continue to trust and obey in the Lord. 

For the Kingdom,

plc