faith

Surprises.  Life is full of them.  Some, like the one I got when I opened the dishwasher the other day and found Micah's duck and blanket, are sweet and bring a smile to my face. 

Others.... threaten to steal my joy and lead me on a path of defeat. 

About 7 years ago, God gave Matt a verse.  One that at the time was unknown to either of us- 3 John 7  "They went out for the sake of the Name..."  We both held on to that and were thrilled when God led us to work with CEF.  Matt's call has always been evangelism and we both are called to children, so it was a perfect fit.  We had some growing to do and much learning as well.  It was a journey that had rough ways and rocky roads at times, but we knew Who our Guide was.  

Fast forward to Massachusetts.  One morning, God took the commission He had given to Matt to go out for the sake of His name one step further.  God burdened Matt's heart to make His name great and known in the city of Springfield.  If there is a need anywhere, you can find it in a city- and the city of Springfield is no exception.  So, to the city Matt went.  God opened doors of opportunity all over the place.  And broke our hearts in the process.  Then it was made know to us that our direct leadership was putting major stipulations on how we were to reach the kids.  Matt made an appeal and did a lot of praying.  A lot.  He was reminded that he answers to God first and foremost and that God had been leading him right down the city streets to those kids.  He had to follow.

But what name would he use?  For years he had been able to say that he works for the largest evangelistic children's ministry in the world.  Now what?  

God knew what He was doing and what He was saying when he pointed Matt to 3 John 7.  God doesn't need anyone else's name!!!  His name stands above every name.  It is at HIS name that every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord.  

I have been reading through the Old Testament and today I was in 2 Chronicles.  I read chapter 32 which recounts the story of Sennacherib, king of Assyria when he was besieging Jerusalem.  He was a powerful and successful king with a huge army and ruthless warriors.  He decided to give his opinion on the situation Jerusalem was in.

1.  He first cast doubt on Hezekiah and his ability to be victorious (vs.11)
2. He pointed out the consequences of defeat- death by hunger and thirst (vs.11)
3. He gave false information about Hezekiah (vs.12)
4. He told about all the successes of the enemy, making it look like they had no chance (vs. 13-14)
5. He predicted defeat (vs.15)
6. He compared God to the gods of the earth, made with human hands (vs. 19)
7. He spoke against God (vs.16)

What happened?  Hezekiah got his buddy Isaiah and they both cried out to God.  God sent an angel who "destroyed every mighty warrior, commander and officer in the camp of the king of Assyria".  

I am saying that because our family is on a journey that is requiring faith like we've never had before.  We have had people do to us exactly what Sennacherib did to Hezekiah when he was in an uncertain situation.  They have cast doubt, given false information, predicted defeat, tried to scare us with possible consequences of defeat, and tried to diminish the power of God.  

The biggest question people are asking?  -Whose name will you use?  That's what people say.  -Who will listen to you?  -How will you make a difference?

Let me say it again.  GOD DOES NOT NEED ANYONE'S NAME BUT HIS OWN.

We are not going out for the sake of our name, an organization's name, or anyone else's name.  We are gong out for the sake of HIS name.  Period.  

Today God encouraged me.  He reminded me that no matter what, He is the one who can do supernatural things and go ahead of us to defeat enemies and bring about victory.  

I want the faith to trust Him and keep moving forward.  Not with discouragement or an attitude of defeat, but with joy.