Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Trust Raising

Support Raising. If that doesn't strike fear in a missionary's heart, I don't know what does. This is probably my least favorite part about our life as missionaries in Kenya. It can be humbling. Awkward at times. If I could magically wave a wand and be a missionary without having to ask for money I would do it in a heartbeat. But I know I would miss out on relationships with people who partner with us and are excited to be a part of the ministry at RVA. And I know it would be a lot easier to trust in myself, rather than trusting in God and His provision for us.

Right now we have a huge hurdle in front of us. We have 25% of our monthly support to raise before we head back to Kenya in August. That translates to about $1800 a month. It seems like an impossible hurdle to us. I wish I could wave my magic support wand right now and be at 100%. But I realize that this so much than support raising.

For us, this is about trust raising. Do we really trust in God? And I am not talking about the clenched-fist, have-to-have-my-way trusting in God. Do we trust Him with no strings attached? God is bringing us to a point in our lives where we realize how out of control we really are. We have no control over our future right now. As much as we long to be back in Kenya by August, we cannot - in our own strength- get there. Do we trust God with an open hand, for whatever He has in store for us?

I firmly believe in God's sovereignty. If He wants us back in Kenya, He will bring in the funds. Easy as that. We are doing our part, but it is God who will bring us to 100% if it is His will. So, that being said, my prayer now is for patience and trust as we wait. And that God will reveal His good plans to us. More than wanting to be fully supported, we want to be in the center of God's will for our lives.

Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future."

Ephesians 3:20-21
Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably  more than all we can ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen!