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365 Czech Republic

Even Sundays Are in Jesus’ Hands

As much as I love Sunday, they have quickly become one of the hardest days of the week for our family. I don’t know exactly what it is, but it just seems like everything about the morning routine on Sunday here in Czech is really difficult. I believe I actually said to Bethany this morning, “Sunday is my least favorite day of the week here.” Mostly that was said in frustration with just trying get out of the house, but I also think it’s just a lot of change and adjustment to living here and doing church here.

My Hope Is Built (11/9/14)

That’s probably why I was so encouraged by a blog post that I read today that wasn’t even meant for me. Oh, for sure the Lord knew I needed this reminder, but the author of the article actually wrote it for missionary wives. The title of the post is “He’s Got Missionary Wives in His Hands” and I initially read it thinking I would pass it along to Bethany, but the more I read the more helpful I realized it was for my own soul. The entire article is bathed in Scripture, but her list of “…God’s particular, far-reaching, steadfast love, which he shows to us…” is so helpful, especially on Sundays. Here’s the list in it’s entirety:

    You and your family are in Jesus’ hands.
    Your decision to move is in Jesus’ hands.
    Your ministry training is in Jesus’ hands.
    Your ministry fundraising is in Jesus’ hands.
    Your culture shock is in Jesus’ hands.
    Your children’s schooling is in Jesus’ hands.
    Your personal finances are in Jesus’ hands.
    Your healthcare options are in Jesus’ hands.
    Your family’s health is in Jesus’ hands.
    Your living situation is in Jesus’ hands.
    Your language learning is in Jesus’ hands.
    Your travel and transportation are in Jesus’ hands.
    Your food options are in Jesus’ hands.
    Your homesickness is in Jesus’ hands.
    Your family back home is in Jesus’ hands.
    Your friendships back home are in Jesus’ hands.
    Your new friendships are in Jesus’ hands.
    Your opportunities to serve using your gifts are in Jesus’ hands.
    Your husband’s ministry is in Jesus’ hands.
    Your personal ministry is in Jesus’ hands.
    Your ministry successes are in Jesus’ hands.
    Your ministry failures are in Jesus’ hands.
    Your marriage is in Jesus’ hands.
    Your children are in Jesus’ hands.
    Your growth in Christ-likeness is in Jesus’ hands.
    Your teammates and coworkers are in Jesus’ hands.
    Your suffering is in Jesus’ hands.
    Your visits home are in Jesus’ hands.
    Your safety is in Jesus’ hands.
    Your future is in Jesus’ hands.

Isn’t that helpful? Every item she mentions is something Bethany and I have discussed and tried to work through during this process, especially as we have moved and been here for a few months. I’m so thankful that it’s all in Jesus’ hands. Even Sundays are in Jesus’ hands.

My Hope Is Built (11/9/14)

That simple reminder became a really big one tonight as my teammate Daniel called me on the phone. Unbelievably, he was robbed a second time in less than a week (photo above of the car with the window smashed in). The only difference is instead of taking cash like they did on Tuesday, tonight they stole about $5,000 in camera equipment which Daniel uses on our team. In fact, the camera still contained all of the footage Daniel took on Friday night when we were at the EXIT tour event. Daniel and his roommate have been working with the police again tonight to see what they can do, and Lord willing, the stuff will be returned. Either way, it’s another reminder that it’s all in Jesus’ hands.

My Hope Is Built (11/9/14)

This evening we went to a friend’s house to celebrate Rachael’s birthday. We had the joy of giving her the “gift of words” where we share about her and the things that we appreciate about her. It’s something the Josiah Venture team regularly and I always find it special. Rachael has been a joy to get to know and our family is thankful for her ministry here! Happy birthday, Rachael.

My Hope Is Built (11/9/14)

On our way home from the party tonight I literally got us lost. We live like one mile from where our friend’s house is, but it was really foggy tonight. After turning left on a road I couldn’t see, we ended up crossing the river into Poland. It’s the first time in my life I’ve taken a wrong turn that made me end up in another country–all of which happened with two minutes of leaving the party. This tells you two things: 1) I’m still learning where we live 2) We live literally next to Poland…it’s crazy! Well, it’s a good thing getting lost is in Jesus’ hands because found our way back and finally made it home safely.

Titus gives his thumb of approval on the day.

My Hope Is Built (11/9/14)