Faith

Thanks again prayer warriors, the prayers are helping.  I am diving into God’s word and seeking the path He has for me. 

For the last few weeks I have been wondering if maybe this is not really God’s plan for me.  Did I get it wrong?  I have several friends who are called to missions and their plans are progressing while I feel like I am not moving anywhere.  I still have not heard back from some opportunities I looked into last month.  Again, I am not trying to make things happen and trying hard to be patient. 

I love how God works and sometimes hits me over the head or as a friend says He sends us some flashing neon signs.  I am studying Hebrews and was reading about faith; persistent hope in God and His promises.  Hebrews11:1 Faith is the assurance (confidence) of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.  As I prayed over this I asked God if this desire, this thing I hope for (an opportunity to go on a short term mission trip and the eventual opportunity to go full time) was from Him or not.  I truly, truly believe this is a hope and a promise from God.  I just do not understand His timing, so please keep praying for me in this regard.

 God only confirmed this today at church, I have been writing this blog entry for a few days but decided to wait to post it until after service.  We are studying the book of Nehemiah and how to be effective leaders.  Now, I am in no way saying I am an effective leader but what this sermon showed me is that I am on the correct path.   Some characteristics of a leader were outlined (PT, I apologize for the paraphrasing).

1.      A compelling purpose.  For me this is to share the gospel boldly to the unreached

2.      A clear perspective.  I am immersing myself more and more in Gods word and praying for wisdom, please join me in that prayer.

3.      A continual prayer.  “It is impossible to pray and worry”, thanks for those words PT.  I will pray and rest in God and His perfect timing more.

4.      A courageous persistence.  So, if I believe this call is from God which I do then my job is to keep it up, don’t quit and be faithful.  To have courage in the presence of fear of the unknown and keep moving in spite of any fear. 

So, God show me the next step, in your time and in the meantime I will pray and study. 

Thank you all for spending your valuable time reading this and praying for me.  I continue to pray for you.

Alison

(on a side note, the one year anniversary of the sudden death of my mother is the end of this month please keep myself and my family in your prayers)