Isiah 43:19 says this: "For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you see it?"
If you have read Isiah 43, it is full of God's promises for Israel, but we can also apply them to our lives today. Promises that He will be with us in times if difficulty (vs 1-3), promises of His presence in times of fear (v 5), promises of safety; that "no one can snatch anyone from His hand") (v 13).
He goes on to remind us in verses 14-21 all the ways He has made and delivered His promises. And then He talks about what is to come. Near the end of the chapter He reminds them/us of their/our shortcomings; but in the very next chapter, He reminds them/us that regardless of all that, He will still be there, completing what He promised. Isn't God SO good?
I like in these verses, how God reminds us of what He has already done for us. Sometimes we forget just when we need to remember the most, don't we? In those difficult times or the fearful times, it is so easy to forget all the good. I have heard that many people have a gratitude journal, or a way to remember the good things to be thankful for. Here are a few of mine from 2017.
- Clever and I led 3 major projects under Camino de Vida's direction.
- Growth in the Kids area to serve families with children with special needs at church.
- We got engaged!
- Clever got his fiance Visa approved to come to the USA!
- Clever's family (mom, sister, and brother) were able to travel to the USA to be a part of the wedding.
- A wonderful wedding surrounded by family and friends.
- A very FUN honeymoon in Colorado
- Clever's first American Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years!
- Connecting with family/friends in the US.
- A very successful surgery without any complications! No more cancer and no follow up treatment needed!
I feel completely encouraged by this, because basically it reminds me once again of His incredible goodness and grace over my life and to all those who believe in Him. So, when I start to feel a little anxious about this new unknown journey that I am going on as wife, partner, survivor, and Lord willing mom; I can sit back and remember this passage and remember His goodness and His faithfulness in His promises.
Praises:
1. Praise that God completely healed me and that I don't need followup treatment like radiation/chemo!
2. Praise that we got to spend this time in the USA building relationships with family and friends as a married couple.
3. Praise that Clever and his family were able to travel without any trouble.
4. Praise for all the special memories we were able to make while in the USA.
5. Praise that during a time where many are sick here with seasonal bugs, we remained healthy the entire time.
6. Praise for all the ways God provided for all our needs while we were here.
Prayers:
1. Prayers that my medications get leveled out quickly (once we return to Peru) and my energy level returns to full speed so that we can continue to serve under Camino de Vida.
2. Prayers that our re-entry into Peru (Tues Jan 23) is uneventful and without problems.
3. Prayers for our continued health and safety.
4. Prayers for us as we REALLY begin our new life together, learning how to do life together as a married couple now, living on our own for the first time.
5. Prayers for our future service projects and guidance and wisdom of how to manage it all.
6. Prayers for Clever's visa. Please be in prayer that the next steps for his residency visa for the US comes through without any difficulties. This process can take up to another 9-12 months to complete.
Thank you all who continue to support us in prayer, encouragement, and financially. As you know, as missionaries, we can not receive payment from Peru to do what we do. Thank you for your continued support to allow us to get to lead others to have a relationship with Christ. Wishing you all a very healthy and happy 2018 filled with blessing upon blessings. Are you ready to see what God is going to do this year? I sure am!!!