Wholly Dependent

"Here Am I"

Dear Daughters,

In a few days I’ll be getting on yet another flight. The cool thing about my fourth flight in as many days, is that I’ll be meeting my dear brother-in-Christ, Pastor Wagih.  God’s sovereignty, his providence and provisions have allowed my schedule and his to be aligned as we board a flight in Denver en route to Orange County for his much anticipated visit.

About a year ago, I remember praising God for a new business and also asking for opportunities to serve our church in a different capacity. I wasn’t seeking something new due to a lack of contentment, I was asking God to direct my feet and not have my flesh use the increased demands of a new business, including increased traveling, as an excuse to not serve the body of saints.  What happened as a result of bended knees and head bowed down, was simply amazing.

Within days of saying God, “Here am I”, I received an email from one of our pastors asking if I’d be interested in leading a team to Cairo.  ”You sure you got the right person?”, I thought. Long story short, I ended up spending weekends, evenings in hotel rooms, and any other available time, planning for what came to be an incredible blessing to our family.

As I look back now and think back to the day I told my new business partner that I probably wouldn’t be available to work during the month of August, I’m in awe of my partners response.  In any business, it’s tough when an employee takes 3 weeks off for personal business. When you are one of the owners, and the business is in it’s infancy, it’s even tougher.  My equally yoked partner, who has been walking with the Lord perhaps eight times longer than myself, prayed for God to make it possible, and to provide peace in both of our hearts regardless of the outcome.  More importantly though, he prayed that we would both be in his will.

August of last year, I took that trip to Egypt. Even up until the last day, I didn’t think I would get on that plane! But, once the cockpit door slammed shut, my heart was at peace and my mind was firmly focused on the ministry at hand.

I pray then, that you are both given opportunities to serve your church with the talents that God has given you.  I pray, that he gives you a heart that surrenders to his will, his desires and the promptings of his spirit. It is my hope that you stand firm one day, and cry out “Abba, here am I…send me”.

Isaiah 6:4-8

4 And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. 5 And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!” 6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. 7 And he touched my mouth and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for.”

Isaiah’s Commission from the Lord

8 And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”