Plans; Projections; Attention to detail; Things to do list – we gain a sense of satisfaction carefully planning every step, dotting every ‘i’ and crossing every ‘t’. BUT what if our perfect plan crumbles in this broken world of uncertainty?
As I watched the 40ft lorry leave for its journey to Romania on Friday, (my husband following the next day), I thought “another journey” but then life is a journey at any age: forty; fifty; sixty or nearing our three score years and ten? How quickly the years pass – one moment and life is gone. This morning my heart was melted as I reminded myself of the faithfulness of God, how undeserving I am of such love, such friendship. Acceptance of this change has made me realise that as a garden needs tending, watering – so did I. My head was drooping under the emotion of pain and suffering I encountered. I needed to be watered, but this change of direction is not retirement; it is a new beginning. He has brought me ‘safe thus far.‘ How precious those words are to me ‘thus far‘. My heart is no longer mine. In total surrender to His perfect plan and timing, I want to love those who journey day by day bowed down with brokenness. ‘I know the plans I have for you …’ ‘Lord, kindle the light of your fire of love, slowly, in small steps of faith. Deut: 7: 9 ‘Know therefore that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God …’ C. H. Spurgeon wrote: ‘Faith goes up the stairs that love has built and looks out the windows which hope has opened.’
The faithfulness of God is as fresh as the air we breathe. It is easy for me each morning to ‘switch’ on the central heating, to relax in the comfort of a loving home. I have food enough, clothes …… but then these things are a normal part of living ? Do I remember to count my blessings; to consider that the things I take for granted are not so for everyone? My eyes must be open to see, my ears open to listen, my heart open not just to live for myself but thoughtfully for others.
I am so blessed, so thankful to the Lord for those who have thoughtfully given to this recent project. The hours of dedication and involvement in the lives of people they will never meet yet cared enough to give from a heart of love. Guided by the unseen footprints of our silent companion whose guidance in all decisions causes us to understand life from His perspective. Our every day choices teach us to love as He loves. The forgotten of Cighid, the unloved, unwanted orphans, Casa Grace Foundation, Emanuel Hospice and Iochebed in Suceava. Thank you to EVERYONE who made this JOURNEY OF HOPE a reality. There is no substitute for service, to serve together with an undivided heart as Unto Him.
Small tokens of His faithfulness: This morning my husband is hosting another International Conference in Emanuel University. The Letters to Timothy and Titus have already been translated into Romanian and given as a gift to all Romanian Pastors. New every morning …… a request this morning, ‘Dr Moore we hear a Hungarian translation is soon to be released, please can we have a translation in the Russian language?’. How can we grasp the mind of the one who created us? The depth, breadth, height, width of His plan of action in His time and placement. Knowing the heart of God is so important, becoming aware of where we are in His plan, recognising that ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher that your ways …‘ Isa 55: 9.
Deep in thought this morning I found myself scanning the horizon, the mountains, the sky. The wonder of God’s Perfect Plan of Creation overwhelmed me. I often come before the Lord with special requests yet go away pondering, thinking in my mind will I succeed; will that happen? ‘Come Unto Me‘, outstretched hands offering to carry our burdens, words of rest, of comfort. The many jewels I treasure in my beloved Romania come to mind. I ask you to prayerfully remember Denisa, her heart is filled with anxiety these days, please pray for her. David, the young son of my friend Dorena (called home last summer) needs our loving and prayerful concern for his condition just now. The number of patients requiring palliative care increases. Eight patients between the ages of 35 – 45; a very special grace required for Julianna (37) who has a baby of six months (Adam). Her cancer has progressed aggressively during the past four months affecting her gallbladder/liver with recent development of total metastases. She is now in the terminal stages. Who will care? Who will go? Dami (15) diagnosed with leukaemia. He commenced chemotherapy, but lately he was not feeling well and remained in ICU for a few days. Pray for him and his family! Robi, (18) diagnosed with leukaemia at the age of 13. He has relapsed and recommenced chemotherapy. At present his immune system is very low, his chemotherapy cannot continue. He will require a Bone Marrow Transplant in Italy. Victor (2) an adorable little boy!. He is in a foster family and has been diagnosed with leukaemia. His foster mum takes care of him and stays with him in hospital. She has a son the same age as little Victor. All these children are helped through the feeding programme as well! ‘Come Unto Me’
C,H. Spurgeon wrote:
‘No stars gleam as brightly as those which glisten in the polar sky. No water tastes so sweet as that which springs amid the desert sand. And no faith is so precious as that which lives and triumphs through adversity. Tested faith brings experience. You would never have believed your own weakness had you not needed to pass through trials. And you would never have known God’s strength had His strength not been needed to carry you through.‘