There are periods of this partnership development phase when I am busy beyond belief - sermons, Bible classes, school chapels, board meetings, individual meetings. Behind the scenes there is always the administrative paperwork, reading and research on translation theory, school for C & K, personal devotions and theological reading. Like many people, I feel a sense of purpose when I am busy. Moreover, I feel a sense of progress - progression toward a goal, a time, or a place.
But then there are other times where I've done all I can do. There is no one else to speak to. There needs to be a break from research and reading. Sometimes in this journey toward our deployment to Botswana, all I can do is . . . wait.
And it is SO hard to do. When I think about the Biblical examples I've seen of waiting it sure seems like it is one of the most dangerous times in life. The people of Israel made a golden calf to worship while they waitied for Moses. Saul lost faith in God while waiting for Samuel and offered a sacrifice without Samuel. David committed adultery while he waited for news from his army. When you're used to being on the go, waiting can be a very trying time.
Yet the Lord encourages us to wait on Him. To trust in His timing. To trust in his provision. I really need to grow in this area. Whenever I am not actively doing something that pushes me toward my next goal I feel so . . . down. But as we near the end of PD speaking and hopefully begin to transition into transition mode (I know it sounds funny), all we can do now is wait. May the Lord cause us to be strong and courageous and wait for him faithfully and full of faith. We appreciate your prayers for the Lord's continued provision for our ministry through His people. We also appreciate your prayers for the folks processing our paperwork in Botswana and especially pray for wisdom for Carl Knight, LBT's representative in Botswana as he does work on our behalf to prepare for us to arrive.
Thanks for joining us on this journey, Rich & Maya