Dear Friends,
This is Bruce saying “Hey” from New Orleans and hoping you have had a Blessed Holiday season and Hope for the New Year. I pray that God has revealed Himself to you in the ways only He can do.
As I move into a new year, new season, and new challenges I am faced with many uncertainties and unknowns. Though these anxieties may be nerve wrecking at times, I can't help but think of the one certainty that has been revealed to me time and time again, especially over the past three years. It is certain that the One True God, whom I serve, Loves me beyond measure!
There, that's it. Simple huh? Yes, it should be. Unfortunately I bottleneck that Love sometimes with all of my finite human actions, thoughts, worries and fears. But like I said, He loves me beyond measure. When all of that Love gets bottlenecked by me, He waits patiently for me to regain focus on Him and what He desires for my life. That is, to be part of His plan and to carry out the day to day tasks He has for me to do. What an Amazing God we serve! What an Amazing God!
So I say all that, to say this. As I head into the New Year I don't have “all” the answers. I have “The” answer. God loves me and He is faithful. He will provide those answers that I need , when I need them. Just in time for me not to mess things up... as is often the case. This is so counter cultural, especially, in todays society of “long-range” planning. We want a definitive plan laid out so we can work and rework it to perfection. Funny huh? He gives us a perfect plan and we want to rework it. As I move further into this adventure in full time missions, I find myself doing something quite often. I intentionally don't look at all the “Overwhelmings” ahead, but I turn and remember all the “Faithfulnesses” in the past. Excuse my sniglets.
What this seems to do is take all the emphasis off the anxieties and put it on the One who deserves my attention in the first place. I can spend quite some time recounting the endless ways in which He has been so faithful to those that are seeking His will. Being in the position that I am I'm also blessed to have other followers to know, and observe, the way God has been faithful to them. These anxieties turn into opportunities to reflect on God's goodness. Amen? So, I begin this New Year looking back at God's faithful goodness.
I also look ahead to the ways God will provide for us. God loves me and will not abandon me. This step of faith that our family has taken has had it's challenges, to say the least. But , these have also been opportunities for God to reveal His mighty power and provision in so many ways. I can't recall all the times in the past three years that I've been overwhelmed with one thought. “Wow”. That's it. Seems simple doesn't it? It is. He is “Wow”. When I've put those unknowns and needs in the trust of the God that loves beyond measure, and that's what I've gotten, Wow!
I have to tell you that the wow factor, so many times, comes in the form of love expressed from you, those that love and care for us. I thank you, and thank God, for your love and support of our service here and in the meeting of our needs. I am truly a blessed man to see that kind of Love and admiration expressed to our family. It's hard to say, but had we not taken that step I don't know that this blessing would have been so revealed. Again, Thank You for your love.
Probably need to wrap this up but it is hard to conclude on such topics as God's faithfulness and provision. Can't keep rambling like I normally do though. If you would pray with me about a few things I would be grateful. Pray that God would continue to reveal His plan for The Dales. Pray for Deb, Briar, Clara, Connor, and even little Brandi, who is such a special “Wow” in herself , that God would keep using each one of their special gifts and talents for the glory of His kingdom. Pray for provision that we can keep doing what we are to do in His name. Pray for safety as we move in and about some challenging areas. And lastly, pray that we stay awake. Stay awake to all that God has done in the past and to all that he has yet to do. Giving Him full Glory and Honor! Peace!
Humbly in the Name of Jesus Christ, His Son,
Bruce
