Daily Devotion: 9 Days til Guatemala

I am really enjoying Terry's devotions, and I'm finding that her messages have so many parallels to my daily life.  Lessons to keep things in perspective.  I had a setback this week on a project, which eventually came together.  But I had that moment where I felt I wanted to give up.  And now I know that it I cannot quit.  Because it's what God is calling me to do.

May 25 - Don't Quit!

Hebrews 10:36 "You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised."

I cannot imagine the many ways your life has been tested to this point. If you are like me, there have been surprises and difficulties and unexpectedly long trials that you have faced so far. Yet here you are today, by the grace of God who brought you through those trials. You can look back on those difficulties now as past tense. Now you are on the brink of a mission trip to serve the Lord in a new environment. Surely this exciting opportunity will be all thrills and happiness and one awesome experience after another, right? It might not be that simple.

As much as those past trials were not what you planned on, there are some new ones waiting for you that you have not even thought of yet. When they come, you will be tested and tempted to look for a way to escape...for an easier option. But as you surrender your fleshly desires for an easier way and lean on God, He will sustain you and carry you to the fulfillment of every purpose He has for you on this mission. As the day for you to leave for Guatemala gets closer, you may be tempted to cancel your trip altogether for one reason or another. You may doubt your decision to go or be overwhelmed with anxiety. Instead of being excited as so many of your teammates are, you may be filled with dread. One day in the future, you will look back on these days as past tense if you don't quit. Pray through whatever it is that is bothering you and don't give up on what you know God has called you to.

Our ministry continues to grow, but it has not been easy. It has been difficult and tedious and at times even troubling. There have been times when I was tempted to quit, but just when I think I cannot stand to face the difficulties that ministry brings anymore, a person that is hungry to know about Jesus, someone that is seeking the Truth, opens her heart and draws out of me that which God sent me to give and I know...I cannot quit. Our ministry is more fruitful because of the hardships we have faced and that are, undoubtedly, still to come.

The journey may be more difficult than you expected, but as you endure, the Lord works something in your life that is greatly pleasing to Him.

Lord, thank you that you called me and that you are faithful to carry this mission to completion. Fulfill every purpose you have for me through this trip. As your Word declares, I have need of endurance. As we are challenged, as our faith is stretch, through any difficulties we may face and if I feel like giving up, I thank you that your grace will be there for me. By that grace, I will be one you can take pleasure in. I will not pull back or cast away my confidence in you.

Terry Carr Bracey
Co-Founder and Executive Director
Across All Borders