Yep.
Thats right.
Our prayers were answered.
Poof!
Mom.
Were going to Australia!
(again)
Its CRAZY. There is so much to it. PLEASE just pray that God would continue to open doors and give us discernment and direction.
has it been a struggle just to get there?
I believe there are three main (of many) factors. Human opposition intentional and unintentional; Satanic opposition -definately intentional and sometimes so obvious its funny; and God for the sake of allowing us to grow or whatever other reason he decides, his intentions are always just, loving, and right Psa 111:7. I would say that in my understanding and experience up to this point would direct me to believe that God and the Devil have a direct influence on people so at the end of the day its a spirital battle against them not people.
First, every time I have left for Australia, its been a different battle, not just with the logistics but emotionally and the not-so-fun pressure on Matt and I's relationship. This is my 4th trip and Matts 2nd.
Ive noticed, and other missionaries will tell you this. The 3 main places to struggle with before you even 'get there'. Visa's, finances, and travel. At this point we have struggled with all three. Before you say "well-duh", tourists dont deal with this stuff, especially not to this extent. Everyone we will be working with will have a story of struggle with one of the following I assure you.
Visa issues- anything from getting the paperwork finalized and in time, to the actual granted visa not being recognised when entering a country. Ive heard soo so many stories about this, and have a few complicated ones of my own.
Finances- Anything from identity theft days before leaving, to really struggling to raise awareness and support. Ask Matt about the time that God told him that our team whould get all our finances when our leader had her baby. No joke, Jess a young girl on our team was the last to get her finances, the same day Jess our leader had her baby. Irony? Maybe. Fate. Don't think so.
Travel- Anything from being stopped at the boarder of a communist country for suspicion of bible carrying (jail sentences pretty common), to lost luggage, to getting stuck in an unfamiliar city because there was a 'miscommunication issue' between the airline carriers and travel agency. We dealt with the last one on the ride home. We got stuck in New York City. God provided a free place to stay, a way home, and peace of mind that it was all taken care of after a 6 hour phone conversation with the people that messed it up.
I dont know the whole reasoning this time about why we have seen some rounds won in this match and some not, but I dont have to know Isa 55:9. I trust that Gods got us protected because we know that we are in his will. You may laugh, but its a huge risk I am willing to take. If you dont believe in this "God" or "god" Im talking about, your not the one risking my life-dreams-or-heart in the balance, so please just watch, don't assume that you know. The times Ive entrusted in myself for such ability Ive crumbled, stumbled, and fallen, and I have learned alot about my pride, immaturity, self-rightiousness, and negative-independence through reaching back towards my Jesus.
Hey one benefit. Ive noticed more people are coming together. People are praying because the voice of desparation is getting louder as we get closer and closer to leaving. We have also learned the most efficiant means of communication. (not this- this is just an editorial vent-fest most of the time- haha) We have also, or at least I have also been encouraged by others alot,... encouraged to trust people more,... that through these moments I know that people are behind us Heb12:1. We are not alone, and can run this race just a little faster with a little cheering on.
Eph 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Psa 111:7 The works of his (Gods) hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy.
Isa 55:9-11 "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
Hbr 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
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Sorry no featured artist this post: as this is too soon from the last post to have one ready.
I'm glad it all finally got worked out! You knew it would all along, but it's still nice to have it behind you. For me, my biggest one has always been airfare. I don't know why I struggle at that hurdle so, but I do.
ReplyDeleteAnd sometimes I think God uses that just as an opportunity to stretch my faith. But He's never let me down. And I'm stronger in faith today than when I started. And that's all that counts. Great post, Steph.