As some of you may know, Melanie and I have been taking part in an "Experiencing God" Bible study. One of the tenants of the study is that God is always at work and we should be watching to see where that is and join him as he reveals where he is working. The study states that this will lead to a "crisis of belief". This study is messing with my mind a bit- it is by Henry Blackaby and in it so far he states that God normally asks you to do God-sized tasks, I know OK I get that, but how do you know for sure it is from God- Blackaby suggests that God will confirm what he is telling you through circumstances, the church, scripture, and the holy spirit. This is where we are stuck at the moment. Blackaby then states that how you respond to God's invitation says what you believe God can do and who He is. Let me describe to you some of the recent events of our lives.
In June Melanie and I moved across country to Morgantown, WV which we love, Melanie immediately got a job as an Administrative Assistant, I was hired about a month ago as a Care Coordinator for Valley Healthcare- which required that we purchase a second car on credit. We both are enjoying where we are at but with this bible study came a struggle- as we have begun to watch where God may be speaking things have happened.
At first I was looking at little things-AKA trying to be more aware to ways God was giving to share my faith throughout my day. But this week something strange happened that I may have just shrugged off except that we are going through this study- Melanie got a call when she was at work from the organization that we went to Asia with several years ago- They stated they were in need of long term teachers in Asia. Most people see what God might be calling them to(ie missions) and are scared to death at the prospect- but Melanie and I are particularly bent and both of our personalities find the prospect of new cultures, traveling, and doing something for God amazing. So here is one of our big dilemmas- While we both would love to go we want to know if it is something God wants or just us. If we were to go then it would be a "God-sized" task requiring us to raise support in massive amounts which I cannot even comprehend- but I know that if God does want us to go then he will take care of everything and increase our faith in the process.
So here is what I want from all of you who may read this incredibly long post- I want your comments, feedback, suggestions, prayers- I know this is a great deal to ask, but thank you for your support.
Much love,
Ira
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7 comments:
ok Ira here are my thoughts, I think that you going to Asia would be a "god size" task. You have been looking for more ways to be aware of god, and then he drops something like this in your lap and you have to have the faith to know that he'll take care of you. God never ask more than what we can handle, Never puts more on us then we can handle, and would never lead us into harms way. Have the Faith in God to see his blessings, go spread the word of god with people who need it. You were obviously choosen for a reason. My prayers are with you and your family. I'm sure you'll make the right choice.
Sarah Jobe
ok i wrote a whole thing about supporting you, but then i had to sign up and it cleared it all :-/. Geeze,.... Listen to God through this, if this is where He wants you and mel, thats where He'll have you. I wouldn't worry about expenses b/c God will bring it together if this is what He's saying to yal. I Love you both, thou yal just moved here resently, i'd rather see yal chasing after God without hesitation. Yal have my support, whatever that may endup being:)
Ian
Ira,
I read your post. I do like Blackaby and I have been challenged with the same concept.
I think the "God Size" task is in our lives, whether if we live in the USA or in Asia (where I think I would prefer to live).I think the task is where we are with the people we come in contact with each day. Jesus did minister where he was to people he sought. In some respect it is our choice of who we come in contact with and how we allow God to use us. I do have a book that opened my eyes and gave me a new look on missions and I would highly recommend it for you to read. "Irresistible Revolution" by Shane Claiborne. I do not completely agree with everything but it challenges the thought process behind our "Americanized daily life". This book opened my eyes to a calling that was more difficult for me than going to Asia.
I hope this may have helped a little.
Hey Ira,
What a great place to be, "searching for the will of God." We often make this much more difficult than it has to be. However, it is very easy for all of us to set back here and give you advice on whether or not to go to Asia. We don't have to live with the consequences of the decision to go or not to go. We don't have to concern ourselves with where your next meal is coming from. The Sunday school answers like "where God guides, God will provide" brings very little comfort to one who is looking at rasing missionary support enough for two people to live on. Don't allow anyone to make you feel bad about grappling with these concerns. These are very real concerns and even thought I believe God will provide, he will most likely expect you to do the hard work of finding those who will faithfully support. These are very real concerns. I would disagree with Sarah in that God doesn't always protect those He leads on mission. Harm has come to many of His faithful servants. Serving God has nothing to do with our comfort. It is about Bring Glory to His Son. I like what Rachel said: "in some respect it is our choice in who we come in contact with..." We have a lot of liberty in chosing where we can go. It is about serving Him with a pure heart in whatever endeavor you chose. My advice: Follow Blackaby's formula. Then, if you don't find conformation in prayer, God's word, your circumstances or the body of Christ get in the floor with Melanie and pray. Both of you have good minds and love the Lord. Sometimes God expects us to use our minds to make informed decision about our future service. You will find that "peace that transcends all understanding will come to rest upon you and the decision you make. Remeber, there are consequeces, some good, some bad that goes with every decision we make. Remember also, Jesus loves you.
Two seperate notes: one I have never properly thanked you for all your help during the fundraiser for our little church. You could have knocked me over with a feather when I look at the check you placed in my hand after you left the church that night. From the bottom of my heart, Ira I say thank you.
Secondly, Juile and I would be honored to support you and Melanie with a modest monthly support check if you chose to go to Asia. Keep me posted, Brother on what you decide. You can find me on facebook.
Oh Man. Do it.
Reece and I are good for at least 50 bucks a month. If God gives us a raise maybe 100. Then we can visit you all there. You know how reece and I love to drag our little family all over to world for the glory of God.
This sounds like a great opportunity. Laura and I love you guys and will definately pray for your wisdom and discernment in planning your family's future.
I think if you guys pray enough, you'll know EXACTLY what to do...and everything will work out...you have my prayers, and i've been praying for you guys :)
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