Sunday Words of Encouragement February 20, 2011

This morning was another awesome worship and communion service. It is so wonderful to have Sunday morning as a highlight to refresh me and refocus me each week. This sharing is a bit longer but I felt compelled to share it.

Our Pastor's daughter and her husband are missionaries for Family Life in Arkansas. They shared this morning on the mission work but also on their personal experience.  The father gave up a good job, they sold their house (for more than they paid in a depressed market) and they waited for their support funding. They have a young son and daughter and due to medical issues did not expect any more children. The parents had talked about adopting but had set aside any talks of that until their future was settled. However, before they moved their son saw little Nike shoes like his own and said to his mother "look we could get these for the baby." She replied that she would be having no more babies.  He thought for a moment and then said we could pray. Then he and his little sister prayed for a baby brother and sister.

After getting settled in their new home a friend invited the mother to a foster care program. She thought she could never take care of a child and then give it up.  The program leader said that is just the type of person that was needed as they care so much. The parents indicated that they were willing to take children from birth to three. Usually families do not want children under six months. The process normally takes four months to a year for certification. A month or so later DHS called and asked if they could take twins. That very day they brought home the first 4lb baby girl; her 2lb sister had to stay in the hospital a bit longer.  Now the girls are 6 months old and healthy in a loving home.

The parents do not know what the future holds. But God has provided all their needs, even with the unexpected arrival of infant twins. Plus God has supplied strength for each day.   Their message was summarized: "We do not know what God will do but our part is to 1) Choose to Surrender; 2) Walk in Faith; and 3) Claim God's Word."

We sang this song today and it stirs me and sticks with me.

A Verse for Today

Isaiah 41:10 (New International Version, ©2010)

So do not fear, for I am with you;

   do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

   I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

We prayed this morning to surrender to God's will -- every day.