I am writing surrounded by our suitcases…packed to the brim. We are maxed out of space and there is always one more thing I want to take…one more person I wanted to call…one more moment I want to have with our families. I meant to write all about our beautiful Christmas and all our hopes for the amazing New Year ahead. But as I try to wedge my last thing in the carry-on, I’m also wishing I could wedge in more time. We have loved every minute with our friends, churches and loved ones here in the States and we are so thankful we have had this time. As we get ready to head back to life and ministry in Pucallpa tomorrow, I’d like to leave you with this prayer I found in an old journal from 2017. It felt like I was reading someone else’s words as I read it because these are words I very much needed to hear again as we re-enter life on the mission field and a New Year. I pray they may be a blessing to you too.
4-1-17
Father, life has been crazy.
I don’t even know where to start.
Not just my life–the whole world has seemed to have fallen off its axis.
I feel so empty and I know that’s the problem. I have begged and pleaded for you to take stuff away. Take away the water and internet issues, my sickness, my insecurities, conflicts with my kids and husband. But the world is messed up–there will always be SOMETHING.
So instead of asking you to take away, I ask you this. Will you PUT IN? Put into my life love. Unnatural love that sees past flaws and exhaustion and cares immensely for those You bring into my life.
Put in grace. Grace that heals wounds, covers our short comings and pulls us out of bed each morning. Grace that says “We can do this”–not just survive it, but do it in a way that gives glory and honor to You.
Put in strength. Holy strength. Strength that doesn’t conquer each item one by one but strength that blossoms and builds character and states loudly to Satan “You are not welcome here.” Strength that leads my family…that teaches my family no matter what comes–YOU are HERE.
Put in peace Lord. Peace that calms storms…not because they go away, but because my focus is on your face. That I may step out of the boat and walk with you on the depths.
Put in Father, so that as my cup runs over, I can pour into others.
If you take out anything, let it be the anger and judgement and sin that I have let fill my heart so that I only have room for You and nothing else. Give me what I need for today and let me in faith step in to that light with you–eyes only on You, ignoring the darkness of tomorrow until it is before me and I am ready to face it with all you have poured into me.
“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heed! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Family of 4 Serving 1 