From Mishap to Mission

Last month my husband, Steve, took a brief trip that felt like an
eternity. Plenty of opportunities to quit, be afraid, or get mad
existed on his 18-hour journey. Instead, he chose to trust God and
serve Him regardless. By the end of the trip, it became clear how not
giving into one’s own emotions provided  a way to be God’s instrument.
God’s timing couldn’t have been more perfect for several travelers.

This story is packed full of unexpected events . . .too many to share
in one blog. That’s why I’m writing my first blog series. Every week,
I’ll share one mishap of his adventure. Besides, hearing them all at
once makes your head spin. It truly is hard to believe so much can
transpire in less than 24 hours, especially with so much meaning. This
is a series every pastor and Christian will love.

WARNING:  reading this will change you forever. Yes, it’s that
powerful. . .at least that’s been the reaction of others when hearing
Steve tell it.

In this series, I’ll do my best to record his story as well as he
delivers it in a sermon. My goal is for you to experience:

* mishaps galore
* humor
* rescue
* deep thoughts
* and most importantly, answered prayers.

Through the twists and turns, you will learn the depth of God’s love.
You might even be challenged yourself as you sit on the edge of your
seat. There’s a good chance you will walk away with this story and its
lessons etched in your heart.

Let me set the stage by asking, “How many times have we grumbled,
whined and complained like the Israelites did on numerous occasions? we
might have received a miracle similar to  the  parting of the Red Sea
or been set free the way the Israelites were from Egypt, yet wind up
being upset things aren’t going our way. All the while, God has a
bigger plan and we’re part of it.

Most of the time we’re self-centered and believe any miracle is a
coincidence. Then,, when our capable self gets in a bind, or doesn’t
like the way things aren’t going as planned, the whining and
complaining begins, asking God to get us out of our mess. Why, we don’t
even need a blessing or victory first to keep us from complaining when we don’t get our way.

As Christians, we prefer to quote Romans 8:28 to help us get through
bad situations, to feel good about ourselves, or to feel more in
control of our destiny. Somehow, if we convince ourselves everything
will work together for good, we can quit our grumbling and get through
the mess. However, that’s not the entire verse. It says, “All things
work together for good to them who love God and are called according to
His purpose.” Are we really willing to place our complete trust in Him
with our entire life? What if it means He may take us to some
uncomfortable places, give us less than we desire, doesn’t give us the
help or recognition we believe we deserve, or our health fails us? Can
we believe we serve a sovereign God who calls us to His greater purpose?

My prayer is this “From Mishaps to Mission” series will allow you to
consider and ponder some of these very thoughts. May the Lord be with
you and direct your path. Please come back next week to join this
amazing and wonderful adventure. You won’t regret it. Bring a friend.
See you next week.

QUESTION. What’s the toughest journey God has taken you on? Did you know
it was Him guiding you, or were you in a mess you created and He had
mercy on you? Do share in the comments below. (please note my blog
currently isn’t capable of commenting back  hope to get that remedied soon)

© 2018, Jena Fellers. All rights reserved.