Miles In Missions

This is our second home assignment (HA) since leaving for Nigeria in 2013. During the first HA, we experienced culture shock and I was ready to get back to my simple life in Nigeria as quickly as possible. Now that we are experiencing our second HA, things seem a little different. After 4 years in the field, we have experienced some really tough times in Nigeria and I questioned God many times asking … “Are you still there?”

During these few months home in the USA, I am finding that I am enjoying all the Western comforts a lot more than last time at HA. I catch my entrepreneurial brain seeing different businesses and thinking, “Hey I could do that and then have a Biznistry that could support all my ministries in Nigeria.” Wow, that would so much easier and then I could stop sacrificing all these family memories, foods I love, and weather I miss soooo much.

God spoke to me this morning through I Samuel 27:1 “David thought to himself”….that is where it all begins for me. When I start thinking I know better than him. David basically was tired of Saul trying to kill him. David was supposed to be a king and instead he was living in the wilderness. I was tired of reading David and King Saul’s’ saga before I came to I Samuel 27, were David is finally tired of it too. He decided to go and live with the idol worshipers (Philistines). He even takes all 600 of his men and their families with him. He never consults God but just does it.

Later in the chapter we find David has backslid and has become a robber, murder, and liar. Wow….what happened to the strong David that killed Goliath with a sling shot?

This has reminded me of how easy it is to backslide when we are tired, exhausted, or just dealing with obstacles or unknowns. We want to know what is next and when it isn’t clear, we get anxious like David. In anxiousness, frustration, and/or exhaustion we make rash decisions. These decisions not only affect us but they affect everyone around us. Like the 600 men and their families with David, our decisions can affect generations to come.

During these times we need to look at our history with God and ask ourselves….How many times has God provided for me? How many times has God given me the desires of my heart? How many times has God helped me slay a Goliath in my life? Our history with him and so many other Christians shows over and over again that his way is the best way in the end. Our ways can lead us backsliding away and before we know it we are living a life we never intended like David. I don’t want that! I am so thankful this morning God reminded me of how sweet life can be when we wait on him to bless us and not try and make decisions based on our own human thoughts and feelings.

Deuteronomy 31:8

⁸ The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”