No one likes to hear it. We usually don’t understand the reasoning behind it. And it’s extremely difficult to comprehend why we can’t just go forward with our plans.
In September 2012, I was en route to South Africa for the first time– a literal dream come true! I mean it’s A-F-R-I-C-A! I’d wanted to go my whole life. Throughout the trip God continually blessed me above what I could’ve asked or imagined. A total Ephesians 3:20 moment! During the same time frame, a team from our Bridge Ministry was ministering in the Philippines. I was so captivated by the work they did there. Little did I know how strong my heart would connect to the Filipino people. I was so certain at the very next opportunity I would be on the plane & with the team.
Yet the time came & I sensed there was not a release for me to go. WHY?? I can’t explain it. I don’t understand how two polar feelings can co-exist in my heart…the sense of inner-peace knowing I was obedient to God & the disappoint of seeing the team leave & not going with them. The struggle is real. What do I do with the disappointment?
Here’s what I’m learning…I can’t give into discouragement. This is about me, but it’s also not about me. The enemy wants to have a field day in your mind over the whys, why nots, and missing out feelings. Stay faithful to the voice of the Holy Spirit with what He’s asked of you. Speak this truth over your situation…
God holds my life & the lives of those needing to know HIM. He’s the author of time & His timing is never late.
God is moving in the Philippines & today I’m cheering my pastors & friends on from the US. I’m choosing joy because I know there are souls & destinies that are forever affected for the Kingdom of Heaven because He chooses to use us in this great Love story. He chooses us locally & globally & His timing is never off.
And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory. That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. (2 Corinthians 4:13-18 NLT)
Pastor Roger Gardner loving on the kids in Manila!
A N T H E M W O M E N 
NICE! good speech.