"Expect Great Things From God And Attempt Great Things For God" William Carey

As I studied D.L. Moody, William Carey, George Muller, and Jim Cymbala this summer they were a great encouragement to me as a missionary. All of them were ordinary people that God allowed to join in His work. What an amazing blessing to read their stories and learn how they faced the mountains and valleys. Their faith and courage is a good reminder that things don't always go as we want but they always turn out with God in control.

Because of my previous work experience I have a tendency to want to get things done when things are not happening. Mark tells me I'm prone to be a workaholic if he doesn't distract me with fun activities. Like many people I like the security of my checklist and the feeling of accomplishment, but God is working on me in this area. Will I be a living sacrifice and totally trust Him for provision for the scholarship students, my trip to Africa, paying the bills etc. etc.? Do I need to jump in have a garage sale, try to sell some family antiques, get a part time job as one friend told me to do or believe God? Am I presuming on God and not doing my part? Is this a lie to get me to question God's faithfulness?

I tell myself "I want to do my part in being obedient if God wants me to do something" but if I put myself on the altar and believe God am I a sacrifice crawling off the altar when I don't wait on the Lord? The urge is strong to take control of the situation and make it happen and in ministry our own timing isn't always God's timing. I think the Lord is trying to teach me to totally trust Him to direct me and rest in Him. It goes against my flesh to rest when I see the faces of the students, know they need encouragement, see how all the ministry plans God has laid out for us need further research. He has given me a passion for Africa and I yearn to return and let God use me however He plans.

So I am praying and asking and trying to discern what I should do? I have to trust him for our provision, and trust Him to provide for the kids we love so much in Africa. He knows their needs even better than I do. I want to be forever teachable like D.L. Moody, an over-comer like William Carey who said "Expect great things from God, attempt great things for God," a great believer in prayer like George Muller, and remember what Jim Cymbala said in his book Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire "God is attracted to weakness...Our weakness in fact, makes room for his power." Bottom line I'm believing God.