As April arrives with sunshine and melting snow, the excitement of colorful flowers, chirping songbirds, and new life fills my heart with joy. It seems that winter held it’s icy grip longer this year somehow, but now it draws to an end. As the warming weather allows us to enjoy more outdoor activities, my mind is racing with the possibilities!
There are some events that have threatened to dampen our joy. With only three months passing this year, God has already brought our family several opportunities to trust Him fully.
#1 The first opportunity sprouted as a large deficit in our financial support in 2019. (This was before the current economic complications brought about by #3) Arctic Barnabas Ministries requires that we seek more monthly, quarterly and yearly committed financial supporters to join our family in mission here in Alaska. This need alone begs to be first and foremost on our list of overwhelming challenges. But it was quickly followed by another.
#2 As March arrived, we heard the news, “This baby has no heartbeat.” And just like that, our sweet baby number six, a baby girl, stopped being a joyful anticipation and instead became an object of pain, loss, and temptation to doubt God’s plan. (We are comforted by knowing that she is with the Lord, but our hearts and empty arms ache right now.)
#3 Now, as April begins with coronavirus spreading at full strength, our “normal” daily routine is upended. This one is a multi-layered challenge, full of unknowns. How far will this virus infect and harm those we know and love? How long will it last? How bad of an effect will this pose to our economy and will that also affect our financial support?
I recognize that Satan is cunning and eager to destroy the righteous, by thought or deed. My heart begs to panic and allow fear to overthrow any joy in sight, but God’s TRUTH brings us hope. So, in obedience to God’s Word, I am, and we as a family are, seeking to “bring every thought captive” and trust Him. (2 Cor.10:5)
Jeremiah 17:7-9
7 “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
And whose hope is the Lord.
8 For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters,
Which spreads out its roots by the river,
And will not fear when heat comes;
But its leaf will be green,
And will not be anxious in the year of drought,
Nor will cease from yielding fruit.
9 “The heart is deceitful above all things,
And desperately wicked;
Who can know it?
He is Jehovah Jireh, meaning “the Lord will provide” in Gen. 22:14.
“When my heart is overwhelmed;…you have been a shelter for me, A strong tower from the enemy.” – Ps 61: 2b-3.
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” – Heb 10:23
Would you join us in prayer as we face these challenges?
I pray you can fully trust him today, even though the future is unclear.
Be strong in the Lord!
– Jeffrey
thespangfamily.com 