I miss Florida...But, ...

 

It seems like ages ago that Stephanie and I were living the "Snowbird" life. We always left around the middle of October, traveled to the CMA Colors Rally, and then made the trip to Florida to get set up for the winter. We would travel back for Thanksgiving, again for Christmas, and usually another visit sometime in January or February. I have to admit, I miss the warmth of Florida during the winter. I am not a fan of cold weather, and my body rebels every time I head outside during this time of year. But, God had different plans and being here in Bluffton, ministering to our flock, has been a blessing beyond my wildest dreams. God provided a vision, we responded, and he delivered. He continues to do amazing things, and even though I miss winter in Florida, I feel so blessed to have trusted the Lord!

I was reading Matthew 8 this morning. At the beginning of this chapter, Jesus heals a man with leprosy and then heals a Roman Officer's servant. The Leper and the Centurion have something in common that got my attention.

"Large crowds followed Jesus as he came down the mountainside. Suddenly, a man with leprosy approached him and knelt before him. 'Lord,' the man said, 'if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.' Jesus reached out and touched him. 'I am willing,' he said. 'Be healed!' And instantly, the leprosy was healed." (Matthew 8:1-3)

"When Jesus returned to Capernaum, a Roman Officer came and pleaded with him, 'Lord, my young servant lies in bed, paralyzed and in terrible pain.' Jesus said, 'I will come and heal him.' But the officer said, 'I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed.'" (Mathew 8:5-8)

Both these men had tremendous faith that Jesus COULD heal. Both of them had no doubts about the power Jesus had. However, the Leper had doubts about whether Jesus WOULD heal him. I think Centurion also had some doubts. That's why he gave Jesus the option to heal from a distance, so to speak! 

When God spoke to me in a dream/vision to start a ministry here in Bluffton, I had no doubt in God's ability. At the same time, I had doubts whether it would happen. When I say that, it sounds like my faith was weak, and I disagree. 

I have seen God's miracles throughout my life. I have experienced them with my own eyes, and I have no doubt that God can literally move mountains. Yet, I always wonder if he WILL. Part of my problem... I only want God's will. (I know that doesn't really sound like a problem!) When God gave me the vision to start a ministry, I came up with my own plan to fulfill that vision. I am kind of like Abram and Sarai. They trusted God's promise, but when they didn't see it happening, they came up with their own plan. 

"Now Sarai, Abram's wife, had not been able to bear children for him. But she had an Egyptian servant named Hagar. So Sarai said to Abram, 'The Lord has prevented me from having children. Go and sleep with my servant. Perhaps I can have children through her.' Abram agreed with Sarai's proposal." (Genesis 16:1-2)

They trusted God's promise and his covenant with Abram. They had FAITH it would come true, but they had some doubts, so they took matters into their own hands. My plans, when we arrived here in Bluffton, looked VERY DIFFERENT than God's plans, which have been revealed over the past three and a half years. I have to constantly remind myself that if this truly is GOD's PLAN and not my own, I need to let it develop in his timing and his special way. That is easier said than done. I am trying! I miss Florida, but I don't want to miss out on all that God has planned for this ministry. SO, I wait and while we anticipate the future, we enjoy the journey, the people he has placed in our path, and the joy of serving Him. I can't wait to see what is around the next corner. 

Heavenly Father, I praise you for this wonderful life you have provided. We are serving you with all of our hearts, and we truly only want your will. Guide and direct us. Keep us from adding our own barriers and inserting our will. Keep us from messing up your amazing plans. We yield all we desire to you. Bless us, and keep expanding our territory. We are ready! Amen!