The Glory and Goodness of God

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Psalms 19:1

Let's face it....obedience is hard. It's not something that we naturally love to do. It's even harder when obedience causes us to step out in faith. It often feels like you're jumping out of an airplane. In our minds we think maybe the parachute will open for an easy landing or maybe it won't open and we'll hit the ground hard. We may know that this is what the Lord is calling us to do, but the fear of the unknown slips in after time and we wonder if we ever heard Him at all. It's easy to question and doubt when we jump out in faith. Some times we give up and give in to the fear before we ever see God's promises come to pass. It has often felt this way on this journey the Lord has us in in Guatemala. We have this huge vision from the Lord. It's nothing we could ever possibly do on our own. Yet, each step of the way He always does what needs done in that season. Some days He seems silent and we wonder, "Did we hear Him correctly?" Other days it looks way to crazy and we think, "Lord, how is this going to happen?" We have known for quite some time now that the next phase in Guatemala is to build a 5,000 sq foot building that will be the actual "Rescue Center". This is the building we will use to feed the hungry, provide childcare for working moms, provide emergency shelter, help with basic first aid needs, and most importantly the place where we will share the love of Jesus. The estimated cost of this building is $20,000. It would be easy to stop what we are doing and do nothing but fundraise for the next 6 months to a year. But, we know that is not what God has called us to do. There are other things He has us doing right now and it would be disobedient to drop what we're doing to fundraise. So we've been waiting. If you've ever waited for something before you'll understand when I say it looks crazy and sometimes irresponsible. And it's very uncomfortable in our culture that feels the need to be doing something productive all the time. This vision of the Rescue Center that the Lord has given us has been something we've had to surrender to the Lord every single day. While this journey has been difficult and at times the waiting has been frustrating it's in obedience that we realize at the end of the day it's all about Jesus. The process and the finished product can only be accomplished by the Father which means that only He will be able to get the glory. So, while obedience has been hard we are filled with peace and joy knowing that He has a plan and that the burden is not for us to carry. After months and months of waiting and believing that God was up to something we couldn't see...we have received a $20,000 check for the construction of the Rescue Center!! The construction will start after the first of the year and we will soon be seeing the vision the Lord has given us become a reality!! We are so thankful for each and every one of you that pray, serve, and give. We love that God has joined us together to be His body. We can't do it without you - no matter what part you play! We praise God that He has given us the opportunity to join with Him on what He is doing here in Jacksonville and in Guatemala. We are excited for the days ahead. If we can encourage you in anything this week it would be to stay obedient to the Lord. He is working even when things feel silent! Jump out in faith when He tells you to. It may look crazy, but He is just waiting to catch you and show you all the great and mighty plans He has. May you listen for God's voice this week as your faith moves mountains.