Hold All Things Loosely

Hello again Friends,

Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

Last Friday, February 24, it was announced that the summer mission trip to Scotland was cancelled due to unforeseen problems. While the exact details were not shared, Pastor Galbraith and his church in Aberdeen, Scotland will not be able to receive us. 

I remember standing there, in our group and waiting for something more...why didn't it hurt? Why were my eyes so dry? Why wasn't I....sad? I pondered my reaction as I walked back to my dorm room. I mused over all the lessons God had taught me. He taught me to trust, even when my Flesh told me to doubt. He taught me to pray, even when my Flesh told me He wasn't listening. He taught me to have confidence in His provision, even when my Flesh told me it would never come. But now, there was only silence. Not that loud silence, where the cold winds of life howl through an empty mind. No, this was a peaceful silence that spoke of the greatness of an Infinite God. It was a quite confidence that comes only from being in the hollow of my Father's hand. God's grace had led me here, and my heart overflowed with thanksgiving that He would love me enough to teach me these lessons!

When I got back to my dorm, I explained it to my friend. In an attempt to explain it to her, a picture flashed in my mind. All this time, I had committed to serving God on HIS mission trip. He graciously "appointed me to  his service" and placed the privilege in my hand. My fingers never coiled around it or squeezed it in fear of losing it, because the trip was never mine. Rather, in gratefulness and by his grace I kept my fingers relaxed, always remembering who it was that "judged me faithful." Now that it was gone, my hand never had to "release" anything. That, my friends, was NOT my doing, but Christ through me.This word picture reminded me of a quote I once heard in a sermon, "Hold All Things Loosely."

Although the trip has been cancelled, I am SO thankful that God allowed me to learn all these lessons from the last few months. I would never, EVER exchange them for anything in the world!

"Hold All Things Loosely"

~I Timothy 1:12~

"I thank Him who has given me strength, 

Christ Jesus our Lord, 

because He judged me faithful, appointing me to His service."

So...Here we are at the beginning again! (Exciting isn't it?) The director of BMM stated very clearly that they want to find each of us team members places to serve this summer. While the door to Scotland has closed, a whole world of opportunities has expanded before me. Right now, I have suspended all raising support until I have a clear idea of where God wants me to go this summer. Thank you ALL for your generous support and prayers during the last few months! God has used it for His Glory!

Please pray for me fervently over the next few weeks as I seek God's will for my summer. There are a few viable options and I am seeking godly counsel from those more experienced than I in this area of missions.

I will keep you all updated as things develop. Until then, "May the God of Peace be with you all!"

Humbled by His Grace,

Tiffany