You’re still here?
I (Luke) took breakdance classes from age 7-17 and from ages 7-15 my mom had to pick me up every week. For 8 YEARS she was late picking me up almost every single time. My mom loves me, she is just late to everything; even her own wedding. Every once in a while the maintenance person who locked up the building would come out and say “You’re still here?” and he would let me go inside real quick to use the phone to call my mom and remind her to pick me up. I kind of feel like the little kid after breakdance class again when people inevitably come up to me and say,
“You’re still here?”
Typically this kind of question would be seen as rude, but we are in a unique situation where it is VERY applicable. We hear it often (or it’s other forms such as, “any news?” or “what’s the update?”) and we wonder the same thing. Why are we still here? What is God planning to do? As we continue to wait, we consider how the Lord would have us respond and our minds are renewed by the sweet promises in His Word:
“In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
- 1 Peter 1:6-7
Rejoice?! When our own plans don’t come to fruition? Yes! That is the supernatural power of God’s promises! We can rejoice even when we face trials for a little while because we know that God is refining us and the trials will produce more praise and honor and glory at His revelation!
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair;” - 2nd Corinthians 4:7-8
and this is where we find ourselves. We have the treasure of the gospel in these humble human vessels so that God will get the glory. We are going to Papua New Guinea on God’s timing, not ours. We cannot pray God into a corner, and twist His arm so that we get what we want. God gives us something better. He gives us the truth of His word to be able to overcome any situation with pure joy. Why do we have to wait? We don’t know. We are perplexed, but we are not driven to despair. No, in fact, we are driven to rejoice at the new path that God has us on because it includes amazing opportunities like Jessica teaching a young woman through the Bible, more opportunities to study linguistics, be involved in youth ministry, and minister to our families. Also, we will get to go to two family events in Missouri at the end of March/early April; Luke’s brother’s boot camp graduation AND Jess’ brother’s wedding!
“In their hearts humans plan their course,
but the Lord establishes their steps.” - Proverbs 16:9
This side of eternity we will not know the full scope of why we had to wait, but it is easy to see that God is establishing our hasty steps into slow and methodical ones that will be made at just the right time. We are trusting Him in the waiting, knowing His plan is better than ours.
“Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name.” — Psalm 33:20-21
Praise the Lord we wont have to wait too much longer though! Recent conversations with the field of PNG have allowed us to aim for getting there the 2nd week of April! Praise the Lord! This should give us PLENTY of time for getting the last few portions of paperwork through the government so we can buy our tickets!
Prayer and praise:
Praise the Lord that He has allowed us to rejoice as we wait for entry to Papua New Guinea.
Praise that we get to attend Jess’ brother’s wedding in Missouri and see her family and friends one more time before we leave!
Pray that we are able to finish getting the last items from the government so that we can buy plane tickets for PNG
Pray for our deepening relationship with the Lord, the most vital part of our ministry.
Pray for the continued strengthening of our marriage.
Pray for the woman Jess is teaching through the Bible. That she would come to know Jesus as her savior.
Please pray for our transition to Papua New Guinea, that God would lead us in team formation. Also pray for the people group God will lead us to live among and minister to.
Please pray that we would use the extra time we have in the US wisely.
Thanks so much for partnering with us in ministry. Please reach out to us with ways we can be praying for you as well!
-Luke and Jess