That is how we feel though. We're at the end. The race is now uphill but we're almost to the top and headed down the other side. We're tired and if we never had to see the inside of our car again, we'd be very happy. But God.
One Monday a week or so ago, after half a day of discouraging phone calls, we chucked it in and headed out to lunch. Little did we know that God had an appointment for us on that day. As we walked into the restaurant, we saw two women having lunch who happen to be friends of ours. We said hi, did the requisite small talk, gave our order and went to eat. Wouldn't you know it they were still there when we went to leave. What ensued was a conversation that encouraged us more than we could ever have expressed to them.
Mike gave them the above analogy and some of our discouragement leaked out. "But think about it" they said, "the last trimester is the most important. That's when all of the internal work is done. That's when the lungs mature, the bones are fully developed, the baby begins to put on weight and prepares for birth and living outside of the womb. You don't want to have a premature birth, that's when all the problems happen." I think we probably stood there for a moment with our mouths wide open. How that resonated with our hearts and our spirits!
We are in the final stages of itineration. We have 13% (unofficially) left to go which looks like $885.00 per month. During this time, we are very busy with meetings, Pastor contacts and services. But God is also preparing us internally. We're being prepared by the Spirit for the field as we are waiting to leave.
God is preparing each one of us for the work to which He has set us. He speaks. He prunes. He causes good growth. As we wait on Him, He does what He's promised to do. When God calls, He equips. We're learning not to rush out into premature birth. We want to be strong and able to grow as we enter the field. We wait on the Lord.
31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
Blessings to you all!
Mike and Tina Hook
