Weather Conditions

Leave it to the state I love, in which I've lived my entire life, to begin displaying December-like weather, on the day the calendar actually flips to the first of said month.

Yes, I spent my day of travels in the rain/snow mixture from heaven... cold enough to look like snow or a fine sleet at times; warm enough to sound and feel like rain, making everything more wet upon landing than change the color of the surface it landed upon.

Meanwhile, for the past three days, my oldest has stayed home from school... battling a nasty cough and a general "not feeling so great" demeanor. In typical state fashion, last week the weather couldn't make up it's mind. Frost on the windshield one morning... guys catching the open road one last time on their motorcycles the following afternoon. Somebody even snuck in a round of golf that same day!  

All which got me thinking... missionary work is hard work. We pray for the struggles and the challenges, the loneliness and the toll it takes on the mind and heart and relationships and family.

But let's talk about the weather.

Seriously. The physical change of conditions on the mission field alone, can prompt questions of "what are we doing here?" Especially if there are kids or teens in tow.

The sacrifice is great for many. Quite too much for others. Questionable for the rest of us, as our first indicator is based on location. Yet, there remains an element of practicality and logistics to the equation of mission field. Prayer, direction, calling and purpose...unbelievable steps of faith; such things we understand are a part of the process.

Yet, when it comes to the physical conditions and the logistical fortitiude of making everything "come together" and "work"... well, one trusts in the Lord, but then must act it out.

Yes the work is God. He knows the plans and purposes. The venturing out for the gospel, for the cause of Christ... the entire process is a step of faith. That, though, doesn't diminish the physical demands placed on the body, the emotional burden carrried by the soul and the pacing of the mind in search of understanding.

Pray, this #missionsFriday for strength, in good weather and in the storms. For the adjustments that missionaries and their familiies encounter; for the physical conditions, for the preparations and logistical issues... pray God would go before them and provide all they have need off. May the unknown and uncertain not stand in the way of their faith or cause them to hesitate their ability to step out in pursuit of the calling and promise God has in store. For kids and teens, as an integral part of the journey, may God do a work in their lives as they watch and witness their parents be used of God in advancement of the gospel of Christ. May their lives be a testament to the goodness and greatness of God

May God show Himself faithful.
To those who are apart of the harvest.
To those who labor in the fields.
For the glory of God,
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

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