In an Instant

Here in the United States, we live in a culture of "instant"; instant gratification, instant communication, instant access, instant connections, instant recognition - the list goes on and on. We have become very accustomed to getting what we want, when we want it and when we can't get something instantly, we can become anxious, frustrated, angry or disillusioned. The practice of "being still" is becoming harder and harder to master.

Last December I traveled with the exploratory team to Swaziland. I knew God had called me to go on the trip, but I really didn't understand why. Still, I was confident of His prompting and so I went. Upon arriving, I "instantly" realized that, while there were many adjectives that could describe life in this third world country (both good and bad) "instant" was not one of them!

I realized something else as well - when you put yourself in a situation where you are diligently seeking God; when your focus is continuously placed on discerning His will; when you pray and expect to hear from God; when you earnestly seek His guidance; when you offer yourself to God and allow Him to use you.... He shows up! There is nothing better than knowing that you are in God's presence.

This morning at church I had the opportunity to talk with a couple of the other women who's husbands are currently in Swaziland serving on our third construction team. While they were excited that these men were serving God halfway around the world and while they knew that God has called these men to serve, these wives were a bit anxious that they had not had contact with their husbands for several days. Earlier in the week, we received a couple of e-mails and brief phone calls. There was something comforting in being able to make contact and get "instant" feedback. Not hearing from the team since Wednesday gives us a sense of disconnectedness and uncertainty about what is going on.

It is in moments likes these that we should turn to God. This is when our trust in Him needs to be unleashed. It is during times of testing that our faith really grows. Perhaps the hardest thing to do when we feel a lack of control in a situation is to yeild to God, and yet that is exactly what He calls us to do.

Psalms 46:10 commands us to "Cease striving (let go, relax, be still) and know that I am God". To those families who have a loved one serving in missions, I urge you to "be still". Take those feelings of loneliness, concern, anxiety and disconnectedness and give them over to God. Experience the peace and power that is found in His presence and be assured that He is watching over our husbands and daughter as they serve Him in obedience. Trust Him to not only care for them, but to care for you. Use this time of separation as a time to draw nearer to God. I am confident that if you seek Him, you shall find Him..... in an instant!

~ Donna