I am grateful that our God always makes something marvelous in the middle of a mess.
There was a red suitcase that I was forced to abandon in Haiti last year. I have asked myself for months why leaving that bag mattered so much? I have left dozens of bags and dozens of clothes on mission field before. I felt more agony over deciding what to leave in that bag and what to take than I did in evacuating in a helicopter from an area filled with unrest. This red bag had been with me for every mission trip overseas I had made for 10 years. It was my grandmother’s old carry-on and my symbol of independence and purpose. Memama supported me in my mission travels by quietly encouraging my adventurous side. The red bag represented freedom to pick up and go. Losing the bag meant losing control. It was also another unexpected goodbye to her; she died several years ago. Ironically, that night as I hovered over the bag choosing items, I clearly heard her fussing at me, Don't be silly- you can always buy another bag! Sighing, I untied the strip of fabric she had placed on it so many years ago. The worn faded piece of cloth that her hands had touched. Now that precious piece of cloth reminds me of the Haitian people who ministered to me. I was a stranger and they let me in. I was hungry and they gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and they gave me something to drink. I needed shelter that night. They continue to inspire me today because their light shines in a great darkness. So much chaos and heartache, and so many opportunities to take an old red bag. But they didn't. A friend messaged me with the picture of it few weeks ago. He explained that those same people kept all our bags safe for an entire year. They are waiting for us to return. What does that say about their character in Christ? How they are living into their faith with an incredible light of His word in such desperate conditions? God's word in Isaiah tells us, You will go out in Joy and be led forth in Peace. (55:12) What is your heart seeking? How do you go out in joy and be led forth in peace? Even if you feel you are walking in deep darkness? Sometimes you have to wait by the well. Nothing satisfies my soul and brings me peace like the living water of Jesus. To saturate my soul with this water, I must also sit quietly by the well accepting His timing. I must choose prayer so that the debilitating effects of noise pollution will not block out His voice. The book Overcomer refers to praying as “the Holy Hush” of getting God’s oxygen into our lungs. Imagine yourself sitting by this well waiting with Jesus. Be of good courage. Accept His timing while waiting in faith. That book Overcomer also says, “When we get stressed and our challenges mount, our tendency is to exert strength and get busier and lean into habit of constantly managing things.” This phrase could come direct from the pages of the not so famous novel- The Story of JoAnna’s Life! Be willing to do what needs to be done even when no one is watching. Be ready for the tough stuff. Pause to serve and encourage and let the world see Christ in us. John McArthur said, “It is when believers are out of answers, confidence, and strength with nowhere else to turn but to God that they are in a position to be most effective.” There is so much tension between obedience and trust. When we choose to surrender control (or a red suitcase), God suddenly has room to work through us. He gives us His strength and our dehydrated souls are restored. God will make something marvelous out of the mess. So, while sitting at this well, Be filled with the Holy Spirit. Living water provides Peace in Christ in the midst of chaos. Living Water helps us be genuine Christians, compassionate to each person in our path. What is my heart seeking? For the Lord to make me an instrument of His peace. To live into my life- a life worthy of the calling I have received. If others are watching to see if we will shine, Let them see a light that gives glory to God- Bigger, Radical, Extreme Light A crazy love for Jesus!
5 Comments
Helen
3/14/2020 07:50:31 am
My sweet friend, I just love this post. I recently had to “let go” and I thought it was going to be horrible—until I listened to what He had to say. Love you!
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JoAnne
3/14/2020 08:42:31 am
Letting go of control is the hard part. Finding a quiet place to listen is essential.
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Ashley
3/15/2020 05:50:40 am
I love you and I love this!
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Karen
3/16/2020 04:21:41 am
❤❤❤ You are doing a beautiful job with life. Reading this was a delight. He has been teaching me "my" control is just an illusion other than self control, which is a fruit of His spirit that is available through Jesus.
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Amy
3/16/2020 01:51:56 pm
I am guilty of “not letting go”
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JoAnna Arnold
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