Hebrews 12:1-2a
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, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith.
What do you do, when God directs you to go to a place or to a ministry, that you don’t want to go to? Confirm the calling and then pray for God to change of heart.
In our first seven years of ministry my wife and I served on Vashon Island. I was a youth pastor and a Young Life staff leader. I loved it so much. Our head pastor was a wonderful man who tried to take the hit, when I messed up, and gave me full credit when things went well. We talked about me following in his footsteps when he was ready to retire. This was my heart’s desire. I loved the church family and the community.
Then God called us to lead a mission team to Uganda for a month. The same ministry my wife had served at for seven months, right before we got married. I could do it for a month, but I liked electricity and running water. So, we went to New Hope Uganda (NHU), a ministry serving orphans deep in the Luwero Triangle, where the dictator, Idi Amin had done the most killing.
Julie’s heart had stayed in Uganda, where she served these wonderful children. I was there to support my wife for a month, that’s it. She would feel supported and we would come home. God had other plans. Julie and I couldn’t have children, and here were 450 orphans that needed parents. I prayed that God wouldn’t call us back. I was scared and confused. After we both heard from the Lord, I prayed that God would change my heart and I would want to come back. He did, and we served for six years at NHU and adopted 3 of our 4 children while serving in Uganda. We experienced several miracles and our faith grew because our ministry and our lives depended on God moving mountains. I’m so thankful that God changed my heart to receive His calling for our family.
1 Corinthians 7:17a
Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them.
What is the Holy Spirit saying to you through these scriptures?