Step By Step - 7/17/06

Galatians 5:25, "Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit."

It still blows my mind to think of all God has given me; all He has done in the lives of my friends and my family. He has done so much to heal the hearts of those who were close to my mother. And, He's done so much to bless our lives in every way.

And now Melissa and I are moving to Belize. Such an incredible opportunity to serve Him, and in doing so we are blessed with an adventure unlike anybody's I know of. Still, the reality of good-byes puts into sharp focus what it can mean to step out on faith to follow whatever you believe God has called you to do.

I have no doubt in my mind or my heart that this is God's will, from the very beginning. Everything has come together so perfectly, it has to have been orchestrated by God Himself. I can see things He'd done years in the past that paved the way and prepared for this very event.

But, I've been dwelling on my present family situation and what a difficult time it is to leave them. On the way to work this morning, these lyrics caught my ear and spoke to this situation:

There was so much work left to do...

But so much You've already done!
Oh God, you are my God
And I will ever praise you...

I will seek you in the morning
And I will learn to walk in your way

And Step by Step you'll lead me
And I will follow you all of my days...

Like the scripture above in Galatians, God will lead Melissa and me, step by step. We still don't know so many details about where we are going to live. But, we know beyond a shadow of a doubt that this is God's will and our needs have been met. We have housing, furniture, income, and an assigned ministry where we can serve Him.

These two priveleged Americans can learn to do without everything outside of that assignment. For now, we must take baby steps in the direction God has pointed us. As the Holy Spirit leads us, step by step, we will continue to honor and praise Him.

God, YOU are my God. There is no other. I will ever praise you. Thank you for taking care of me and my family. I love you for alll that you've done, and because you first loved me. Lord Jesus, I praise your Holy name. May your will be done, and I thank you for mending my heart and my family's. Amen.