Recently, we made a trip to Illinois to drop off the tent and barrels for OCB.  We had rented a U-Haul truck, and I followed in the car.  The trip was all in all uneventful.  Our drop location is about 40 minutes north of Chicago. Jimmy had selected the route, and I followed.  At one point he made a turn that wasn’t on the path we had discussed, but I trusted and followed.  As we got closer to downtown Chicago, I notice us taking the local route.  If you have never driven downtown Chicago, it is 10-12 lanes of nonstop traffic.  The closer we got to downtown, the closer I had to stay to him, both hands securely grasping the steering wheel.  But I could not see in front of me, all I could see was taillights and turn signals.  As he would brake, I would brake.  When he would signal to switch lanes, I switched lanes.  Taillights and turn signals is what guided me through very heavy traffic through downtown Chicago.  

Once outside of Chicago, I began to think about how much a relationship with the Lord was like following someone through heavy traffic.  Often you can’t see what is in front of you, you aren’t even sure when the next turn will be or the traffic slowing down, or even the route you are taking. If I left any space, someone would cut us off and cause us to separate.  When traffic was at a standstill, I would find myself looking at everything else around me, taking my eyes of the lead, and at times get left behind. 

You may find yourself in a situation where you are not sure where the Lord is leading you.  Just know that the closer you are to Him the better you can see and follow.  When life is throwing things at you and chaos is surrounding you, just pull in a little closer to the Father.  He's got you!  He will safely guide you through the chaos with taillights and turn signals.  

​Proverbs 4:20-27
My son, pay attention to what I say;
    turn your ear to my words.
Do not let them out of your sight,
    keep them within your heart;
for they are life to those who find them
    and health to one’s whole body.
Above all else, guard your heart,
    for everything you do flows from it.
Keep your mouth free of perversity;
    keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
 Let your eyes look straight ahead;
    fix your gaze directly before you.
Give careful thought to the paths for your feet
    and be steadfast in all your ways.
Do not turn to the right or the left;
    keep your foot from evil.
 
 

While reading Philippians today, we read this passage from a different perspective.  We know the book was written by Apostle Paul to the Christians in Philippi but sometimes I think we forget that he was also a missionary.  So today, while reading Philippians 4:10-20, we read it from the perspective of a missionary.  

Next month marks the 20th anniversary of our first mission trip, which just so happened to be  Belize.  This is our 15th year in full-time mission work here in Belize.  It has been quite the journey with many lessons.  

In this passage, Paul talks about the roller coaster ride of ministry life.  As missionaries, evangelists, and full time ministers, your life is dependent on those who support you.  Paul is pretty transparent in this passage of scripture.  He talks about going into ministry and having no support (except the Philippians), times when he had nothing, and times he had plenty.  He thanked the Philippians for their kindness to him, for their support in his times of struggle.  He also talks about learning to live a life of contentment.  In verse 19, Paul speaks these words over them, "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."  

This verse is quoted and misquoted by many, some implying that God is a sugar daddy and will give us our hearts desire.  This verse was words of acknowledgement and prayer/declaration, by a missionary, for those who have stood by and supported him.  Words that let the Christians of Philippi know that their faithfulness, their support was not going to go unnoticed by God. 

We just want to say a special thank you to those who have supported us, lifted us up, and kept us going on this journey. Without you, we could not do what we do.  Our prayer today for you has also been like that of the Apostle Paul, missionary Paul, that God would supply all of your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.  

We love you!