Sunday, May 7, 2017

Quick Pics of Nana & Poppy's Trip





























Waiting

Wait on the Lord.  I have taken this command from Psalm 27:14 very serious lately.  As we traveled across the US in 2016, sharing our story with friends and family, I was asked many times "what will you be doing, Joanna?"  Often times my answer didn't settle well with people, as I shared my heart of wanting to wait, not jump into a defined ministry too quickly.  I shared that I wanted to settle, listen and then move.  I also reminded those asking of my primary calling as a woman to be Jim's "helper."  Genesis 2:18 assigns every wife our primary purpose.  What a privilege this is to walk with Jim through our family's calling to Africa.  Helping is time consuming, its an honor, and its my identity as his wife.  Anyway, second to this, the Lord has asked me to home school three sweet disciples.  This too is time consuming, yet fruitful and rewarding.

We are coming upon 8 months since our move to Uganda.  Its been fast, full, emotional, fulfilling, and at times as struggle.  However, the greatest change that I've noticed in myself is my availability to sit and wait.  The Lord has taught me a new way to be quiet and listen.  He's allowed me hours and hours to pray like I've never prayed before.  The Spirit has prompted my heart with specific names of supporters, family, and friends to pray for and plead for.  I'm enjoying this pace.  I'm enjoying a new position at the foot of the King.  I used to come to the thrown room to sit before Him on a stool, so I could easily get up and go if needed.  Now, I find myself face down, flat on my face before him, with no rush, just peace.  No offense to the Land of Opportunity, but its also the land of full schedules and noise.  I believe that the Lord had to move me physically 8,500 miles to disconnect me from social clutter and teach me to be still.  Is he not in the business of restoration?  Restoring us back to himself? Oh, thank you Father.

So I've waited.  And I wait some more.  He is cooking up something and I'm starting to smell it from the kitchen.  Its sweet and savory.  Its glory and honor.  Its salvation and restoration.  Its good.  Its with Him and for Him.

I need more prayer. More time waiting. And more clarity to make the first move.  And when I do, I feel as if He has already installed this huge inflatable stunt air bag, ready for the slightest mistake.  He is so gracious and loving.  I want to only move when he says, yet all I hear is "precious princess, I will hold you, I will guide you, I will protect you, and I will complete the good work set before you."

So, if you are reading this, please pray along with me for His voice to be loud, for me to have complete understanding of direction, and for the path to be made straight.  I can't wait for what or who He will set before me.  Good things await. Thank you Lord.