Well, it is always humbling when we send out appeals, because there is always this train of thought that chugs in my head "again, can't we just have it together enough that we don't have to resort to such needy and possibly annoying appeals?!" .
I find that times of great need bring out lots of insecurities, fears and cowardice instead of simple trust and obedience.
Simply put, I am learning how incredibly important placing my hope and trust in Him is, not because it always determines the outcome of a certain situation or predicament, but rather it strengthens my faith and places you in a stance of being prepared for whatever comes your way.
It is a sure test of making sure I am aligned with His purposes as opposed to my own desires or good intentions. This doesn't mean I always get it right. Shoot, I would be completely misleading you if I were as bold to say that all of my decisions have been the right ones. But, what I have to keep in the forefront of my mind is to be completely reliant in His leading, particularly if you are in the midst of creating with Him. Because after all, do we design for or do we design with? Sometimes I wonder if life is like being a designer for a client, you come up with something and then he suggests and offers ideas, solutions... Sure, you can come up with something amazing on your own but you can easily indulge yourself instead of having it align with the greater purpose of your design changing lives.
Just some thoughts...
I'll leave you with a well-worn but provoking verse, that surely encourages to rely more on His designs for our life than our own...
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
As we learn these things we have seen Him create, transform and provide but at the cost of our pride, fears, doubt and insecurities. We have been on an up and down roller coaster of hearing, obeying and waiting for Him to speak and meet our needs as they come. I cannot tell you how many times we've seen our needs met and exactly within the time frame we need it. The last few days being one of those stories. We needed to see $3500 dollars come in and at the very time we needed it he provided. But not only has he provided for our physical need, he provided for our Spiritual need. The recognition of some of the things that are truly in our heart and He is beginning to replace it with MORE of Him!
Thank you for your prayer and following us on the journey!
If you are in the area I would love to invite you to come to our first Ember Night, on Friday 24th June, for a night of worship to investigate more of God's purposes for our lives...
Much love!
Luke
