Sorry I wasn't able to write last week. I needed to evaluate
some feedback together with my pastor's help, and he was unfortunately out of
the country. Please know that I was still thinking of you and praying for you.
"Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly
beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within
us" (Ephesians 3:20).
God has some pretty amazing power. The Bible particularly highlights
God's power in the creation of the world and in the resurrection of Jesus from
the dead. If God can do those things, He can certainly manage the details of
our lives.
What makes God's power even more astounding is that He can
do things that we can't even think of or imagine. I am reminded of the
Israelites as they were fleeing Egypt, trapped between a powerful army and an
immense sea. All they could imagine was their imminent destruction - or perhaps
a return to slavery under what would most likely be harsher conditions than
before.
As the Israelites feared death, Moses spoke unexpected words
of hope from God. "Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the LORD
which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians whom you have seen
today, you will never see them again forever" (Exodus 14:13). And we know
what happened next - something truly awesome that none of those people would
have ever expected to see.
When I was preparing to go to Mexico, my plans were pretty
small. I hoped to find a missionary family to help, both in their church work
and in the education of their children. As I visited churches, a certain family
was mentioned to me over and over again. Finally, one pastor helped me to meet
up with them. This family was involved in an MK school, which is where I ended
up going. It still was not a huge place of service, but God unexpectedly took
my plans and multiplied them. Instead of helping a single family, I was able to
help many families.
I expect your story is the same, though different. Different
in that the specific facts will vary, but the same in that the same powerful
God worked out a plan for you that you would not have imagined. Perhaps
opportunities and openings for service that you wouldn't even have thought of.
My childhood pastor once said that God "has a very wonderful way of
bringing His laborers and their tasks together." And when God has done
that for you, it provides a lasting sense of wonder, stability, and
encouragement, because you know that God arranged it all. You know that you are
in a place of service that God specially designed and orchestrated.
I trust that God will continue to direct you each day and
each year as you continue in His service. Maybe that will be through doors that
currently seem stubbornly shut. Maybe that will be into new areas of service
that you haven't yet considered. For sure, it will be the power of God that
directs it all. What you do today matters for eternity, and God will use the
avenues of service that He has arranged for you to accomplish His good work
through you.
"Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you
great and mighty things, which you do not know" (Jeremiah 33:3).
As always, please don't feel pressured or obligated to
respond. My desire is to be a blessing, not a burden.
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holtmember at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
Archived letters can be found at www.dearmissionarylady.blogspot.com.
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
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