About two years ago, in February, 2012, God called me to go to Russia on
a mission trip. I have several illnesses (rheumatoid arthritis,
fibromyalgia, Lyme disease, Meniere's disease) so when I received the
phone call to serve, I had quite a long chat with God about my going to
Russia -- in February, no less. My first reaction was: "Are You sure,
God? Me? Russia? In February? With my body like it is?" After the
initial shock of the thought of really cold weather, I began praying and
seeking God about whether that was really what He wanted me to do. I've
been a Christian for many years and have always wanted to serve God
whenever and wherever He leads me, so as I earnestly sought Him, I
received confirmation about three weeks later while reading my personal
devotions. I was told by the leader of the mission trip that if I felt
the call to serve, I should ask God to give me a confirming Scripture. A
friend of mine also was asked to go, and she received her confirming
Scripture the same day that we were asked to go. It seemed as if every
Scripture I read fit, but in each case, I questioned whether in fact
that was my confirming Scripture. As I kept doing my daily devotions, I
read these verses:
Immediately, I knew that that was my
confirming Scripture. My heart became warm, and I felt a precious love
for the Russian people to whom I would be ministering. There was no
question in my mind that this was my confirming Scripture. These verses
let me know, without any doubt, that God would equip me mentally and
physically with everything I needed to complete His good work, and
prepare me in every way to go "to Russia with love". What a precious
Scripture that was to me! I leaned heavily on this Scripture every step
of the way in preparing for the trip physically, spiritually, and
financially. What a glorious time this mission trip was!
When I
met the team of 35 women (most of whom I had never met before), I
immediately bonded with each of them. I felt as if I had known them all
my life! As we prepared to minister to the Russian women and orphans, I
truly felt the servant's heart of each lady. Not only did we serve God,
but we all served each other and the people with whom we came in
contact. What a precious time of fellowshipping with each other and our
newly-met Russian family of God! Only eternity will tell us all that was
accomplished on that trip.
As Christians committed to serve God,
we can trust that He will guide us as to what He wants us to do and
equip us physically, financially, and spiritually, so that when He calls
us, we can say, "Yes, Lord!"
Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, we
thank You for giving us Your Word to guide and direct us in every task
that You place before us. We pray that You will help us to accept Your
call. Thank You for giving us the strength to do all that You ask of us.
Please use us how You see best. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.
Princeton, West Virginia, USA
Thanks to
PresbyCan Daily Devotional
