The second lesson learned during our mission trip to NewMexico was one that most believers know and understand but here in America but seldom experience on a large skale. Here it is: Being part of God's family means more than simply "going to church". Here's what I learned about this simple concept.
1. Not everyone does the same job.
While there were only 8 of us that embarked on the mission trip, there were many more than that involved! Yes, there are the envaluble financial supporters who helped fund the trip. There was also an army of Prayer warriors before and during the trip. When I look back, there were many more who took part in this adventure!
- When Beth had to head home early, one woman from church took it apon herself to call the airline to try and get her the quickest flight home. Dropped everything instantly to assist from 1,900 miles away.
- When Beth arrived home, she was not only picked up at the airport but she was supp
lied with groceries and anything else she would need after arriving home early. God's family didn't just provide physically for Beth they constantly called, stopped by and cared for her shile I was still in NM. Family cares for family.
2. "Love one another" means a lot more when you feel helpless
When Beth left and was so sick, I felt helpless and out of control. My wife was sick, I could be life threatening and she was leaving me. How was I to focus on a week of ministry in a challenging environment knowing that she was going home alone?
It was a battle for me to let her go and fully trust that God had her. I fought with Him most of the way back to camp after dropping her off at the airport. I was reminded of truths from the Bible like, "Be still and know that I am God" and "Trust in the Lord with All your heart...". God was at work.
To hear what God's family was doing for Beth in my absence was a lesson on what it means to love one another! Every time a friend from church of other brothers and sisters in Christ called or stopped by to make sure Beth was OK and had what she needed they were showing love. They were also showing me love from 1,900 miles away, reminding me that Beth was better off in His hands than in mine. A humbling yet confidence building lesson!
If I had to sum this whole experience up into a brief statement, it would be something like this: When I am weak, He shows Himself faithful and trustworthy.
God is Good all the time!
