An Unexpected Answer

In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. ~Proverbs 16:9
Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ. ~Galatians 1:10

These are the verses God gave me recently as I was trying to make a difficult decision. For those of you who don’t know, for the past few months I had been praying about staying in Botswana through next spring. There was an exciting, new opportunity for ministry and I was so sure that God wanted me to stay. However, as things began to fall into place, I just could not get a peace about the decision. I prayed and prayed that God would give me a peace about extending, but I just felt heavy. Finally, I asked God if it was time for me to return to the U.S. – and then I felt peace. Philippians 4:6-7 says: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. These are verses many of us know and often quote when the occasion arises. I don’t know how many times I’ve used these verses when counseling with a student or encouraging a friend, but I do know that I often forget the power of God’s word in my own life. But praise God that just because I sometimes forget that power doesn’t mean it’s not there! As I finally released the decision to extend or not and gave it over to the Lord, He gave me that peace that “transcends all understanding” and showed me the answer (albeit an unexpected one) to my prayers. I was a bit disappointed and I know it is going to be SO hard to leave this place, but I will go well and secure in the knowledge that I made the right decision. Please pray for these last months I have in Botswana!