You Do All Things Well

It was a year ago in August that we arrived in the US. We were exhausted. The death of friends and family overshadowed what was already a year of constant stress. Yet we had experienced God's mercy in Neil's miraculous survival when his neck was crushed in a horrific accident and he was so severely injured that plastic surgery was necessary to ensure his survival. The robbery that occurred while Neil and the driver were on the roadside was almost a "non-event" as it paled in comparision to everything else that happened. To be honest, I thought to myself, "There is nothing left to take and I have nothing left to give". While it would be wonderful to say that as human beings we never hit that point, it would not be honest. Only One does "all things well".

One year later I want to say to our God, "You do all things well".

Last year I couldn't see how to move an inch forward. It had to be done, but there was still so much to do and no inner strength with which to do it. Yet we are told that His strength is made perfect in weakness and so we have experienced it. I remember when one of our leaders said to us, "You might feel like you are falling, but you are falling into a safety net."

One year later, as the tickets are booked for Neil to bring scripture back to PNG, and I am working on translation again, and we have been commissioned, and I have been ordained, and Tony is reminding us to pick up friends for youth group....what can I say but "He does all things well".

Neil needed the extra time because we faced enourmous stress when we returned to PNG and in attempting to complete the checking of Matthew there was never a moment when he was without emotional pressure which would have helped him to physically heal. I needed the extra time to just recover from having lost my friends, my cousin, and nearly my husband. Emotionally and spiritually, I was spent. Tony needed time to have a year that was free from assault, injury or seperation from us due to trauma. God knew we needed time. He gave it to us and He did it in a way that built us up, caused no loss to the Meem and as usual: gave time for others here in the US to come to Christ.

Yet, one year later, we are back at work full time with the Mesem New Testament. The situation in the Mesem area is such that working with the AG will only widen the acceptance of the New Testament among the Mesem. So three tired and discouraged people who left Papua New Guinea last year are now refreshed, supported, affirmed and able to focus on the only goal that really matters: That the Name of Jesus Christ is Exalted Among the Mesem.

I read yesterday, "A moment of God's favor is better than a year of our labors". Amen Lord. Pour on your favor, Oh Lord, that your Name is glorified.

The Voice of Truth

Tonight I am home alone while Neil and Tony go with a dozen others to a Christian concert. I am enjoying the music of Casting Crowns and in particular the song "The Voice of Truth".

When did it start? Surgeries, attacks in the village, sorcery allegations, Neil's accident? A surge of difficulty came at the time when we were sure the Mesem New Testament would be completed.

At times the discouragement has been overwhelming. It would not be true to pretend otherwise. So I find the cry of my heart echoes that of the singer of "The Voice of Truth". There are so many circumstances, challenges, trials et. al that say, "This can never happen. Give up." or "You must be doing something wrong for it to be so difficult". But the song tells of Peter who in the midst of a storm had the Lord bid him to step out of the boat. Step out of the boat in the storm? What sense is there in doing that? The boat is the place of safety! Yet there was the outstretched hand of Jesus bidding him to stand above a storm he did not create and could not control.

"The Voice of Truth of tells me a different story
The Voice of Truth says do not be afraid
The Voice of Truth tells me this is for My glory
The Voice of Truth says do not be afraid
Of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of Truth".

Recently I met an amazing young woman who is one of the most mature and whole people I have met at her age. What brought her to that place? Brain cancer. How does that fit in with God's plan? I don't know but I know that speaking to her I can see Jesus' in her life and shining in a way that is not superficial but rings out from the core of her being.

Why does it take so long? I don't know. I know God is doing something greater in all of us than we know and that He is responsible for the furthering of His Kingdom and the Greatness of His Name. How do our storms and those that delay the Mesem translation fit in God's eternal plan? Such things are too marvelous for me. I only know we have a God who knows and we trust that He "who began a good work in (us) will perform it" till the Day of Jesus Christ.

The music has changed again...Your Love is Extravagent.....