He answers swiftly

Luke 18:1-8

And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.’” And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge says. And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”

For the last few weeks the Lord has been stirring Luke 18: 1-8 into my heart. Our small group studied the passage several weeks ago and it has echoed in my heart and mind ever since. In the midst of my doubt and unbelief the Lord has reminded me of the widow who came before the judge and persisted for justice. Through his annoyance the unrighteous judge finally agreed to hear her plea. But we serve a judge with grace, mercy, and compassion. One who is righteousness itself. And promises that those who are elect will have justice. The One who tells us that as we cry out to Him day and night not only does he hear us, but He will swiftly answer us. He is not the unrighteous judge who answers out of annoyance but instead The Judge who answers out of love.

It amazes me that even in the promises found in God's word and seeing His constant faithfulness; I still have the tendency to doubt. To doubt my Creator and Savior who is always good and seeks His Glory! In His blessings I am brought back to my knees before Him overwhelmed by how good he is; overwhelmed that He does keep His promises. That He does work for His good. That He does use those He has elected.

The blessings that have brought me back to my knees:

*In one week my support has jumped to 67%

*The Lord has provided someone to go with me-- Jeanne Arp

* The Lord has allowed me minister here in the states for the summer at Heritage Baptist Church

*The people the Lord has brought into my life to encourage me, lift me up, and bless my life

* Seeing so many great friends this week

He Goes out before us

Psalm 68: 7-10

O God, when you went out before your people,
when you marched through the wilderness,
the earth quaked, the heavens poured down rain,
before God, the One of Sinai,
before God, the God of Israel.

Rain in abundance, O God, you shed abroad;
you restored your inheritance as it languished;
your flock found a dwelling in it;
in your goodness, O God, you provided for the needy.

Today, I thought a lot about what it meant to go to South Asia. What is the worth of my ministry. Could it possibly make any difference? What is my purpose? I love to begin journeys by contemplating the end. What will it be like to come back in two years? What changes will I see in me... in my relationship with Christ... in my understanding of Scripture... in my heart for the world... for the poor... and for those who are lost? Who will I be?

In the midst of my thoughts today I came across this psalm. And I was reminded... that it is all about Him. My purpose... is His glory. My Worth... is in Him. My desires... are to be changed into His image. As moments of doubt in His faithfulness may come. I am reminded of His faithfulness throughout Scripture. Ruth, Naomi, David, Daniel, Moses, Hannah, Esther, Joseph, Abraham, and Isaac are incredible reminders of God's faithfulness to His children. When He goes before us the earth quakes.... mountain moves... and rain pours.

I praise the Lord for His faithfulness. Today I reached 40% of my financial needs. Even in my wonderment and doubt- He is still moving. He is still faithful. With 2 1/2 months left before I leave. I know that He has gone before me- for I am a child of Him. So I know that He will move-in His way- in His time.

Psalm 68: 32-35

O kingdoms of the earth, sing to God;
sing praises to the Lord,

to him who rides in the heavens, the ancient heavens;
behold, he sends out his voice, his mighty voice.

Ascribe power to God,
whose majesty is over Israel,
and whose power is in the skies.
Awesome is God from his sanctuary;
the God of Israel—he is the one who gives power and strength to his people.
Blessed be God!