We launched into cross-cultural ministry 11 years ago with a Dutch passport, Moody Bible degree, and enough confidence and impatience to launch another dozen James Webb Telescope missions.
I’ve matured over the years, but many of you reading this have an embarrassing story or two about me steamrolling innocent church congregates or rampaging my way through ministry. I was the author of my destiny and everything and everyone was either in my way or a tool to meet my ends.
After years of distraction and misplaced ambition we’re returning to the original mission that God called us to. Not to build coffee empires and experience instant success, but to faithfully make disciples among the Basque. It’s here that we face another challenge: how do we know the timing of the Lord?
If I’m used to going and getting NOW, how can I be sure I’m not rushing this vision to plant a church in Basque Country? I’ve had the honor of praying with the men at @missionpointcc during these months of furlough and they brought up some common pitfalls of Israelite kings:
They’re too afraid to move on an enemy. See Goliath, Amalekites, etc.
They charge into battle on their own and don’t have God’s blessing
They win a battle, but get distracted by the spoils and end up not fully following God’s commands
Here’s the stance I’d like to take today. King Jehoshaphat is up against a huge triforce army in 2 Chronicles 20. He’s already wiser than me here when he says:
“We have no power against this large army that is attacking us. We don’t know what to do, so we look to you for help” v12
My 21 year old dumb self, charged straight in because I thought I was invicible. No missions agency, no plan, just improvising and leaning on myself. This king sees that he’s doomed if God doesn’t show up. The King then takes everyone in front of the temple and prays for help. The Spirit of the Lord comes over a prophet and he says:
“Don’t be afraid or discouraged because of this large army. The battle is not your battle, it is God’s. “ v 15
I’m conditioned to not fear anything, I thought that’s what Americans do. I believed my training and raw talent could accomplish any mission. So I set off. I saw the vision and knew that I could make a way. It’s this over-confidence that led me to failing my European driving test twice after having a US license for 15 years. A costly mistake for a young missionary couple on a limited budget.
The prophet goes on:
“You won’t need to fight in this battle. Just stand strong in your places, and you will see the Lord save you. Judah and Jerusalem, don’t be afraid or discouraged, because the Lord is with you. So go out against those people tomorrow.’” v18
Wow. How did they know when to attack or how or where or IF? They waited and went before the Lord. Desperately asking for Him to save.
I’m a people person. I scored off the charts on WOO (winning others over) in my Strengthsfinder. My wife loves to tease me on that one. I find myself believing that I can go get this remaining 3200k/month to launch Feb 20th fully funded to disciple and church plant.
Then I catch myself rushing and relying on myself. I didn’t go to God today and say “I don’t know what to do, so I look to you for help.” I rush off into battle on my own.
Raising support and waiting on the Lord’s providence has been so good for me. Humbling. I can’t do it on my own and I invite all of you to slow down with me and see God show up big time.
Praying for you and your family. Blessings!