MY MISSIONARY MUSINGS

by Jan Cox

Almost one week has gone by since I flew home from Poland (via Berlin and London). I had a fabulous two weeks of discovery, connections and faith building. We had lots of prayer times.

Here are some thoughts that I jotted down in my journal about what I learned about God:

God works in people’s lives
God helps them (and us) to gain a better perspective on their situations
God uses us (missionaries) to show His love and to teach His word
God’s Word is POWERFUL
God helps me stay calm in situations where I could lose control
God gives me words when I know I could not have thought of them myself
God gave us all strength when were we at the end of our own physical stamina
God builds relationships of trust
God is the same – in Poland, here and everywhere

As I try to regroup I find that He is teaching me new things. In my week of adjustment I took a sabbatical – a rest to reenergize, refocus and renew. So I am learning:

To wait on Him
That He has a plan and I don’t need to rush ahead of Him
He will put things in place
That although I may be a part of His plan it is not about ME
Relationship building is as important here in my little village as it is in Poland
My morning time with Him is even more important than before
Memorizing scripture is important (and I will try to catch up to my Colossians Scripture Memorizing group)

As I readjust to living in Haliburton and listen to Him I urge all of you to take time for a “Sabbath” rest and be still before Him.

Prayer:

Lord I pray a blessing for those I left behind in Poland, the campers, and the pastors and their families. I pray for my mission team as they readjust to their lives. I ask for Your peace to settle over everyone; for Your inspiration so we can carry out Your plan. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.

My Gratitude List book was left at home while I travelled. I will continue to count God’s gifts. But here are some of the things I had written before I left home. (up to 256)

Discipline to keep regular blog posts
Hubby barbecuing between rain showers
God-incident meeting with a friend to clean up a misunderstanding
A great VBS
Tired cranky children (reminds me to remember the HALT method of proactive parenting)
Loving daughters
Swimming in the lake
Seeing generosity in people’s hearts
Another fawn in the backyard
Blue blue cloudless skies
My prayer team for my mission trip to Poland

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Jan Cox

Jan, a former school teacher and small business owner, found a new passion in writing in her retirement. She has published two devotionals and a number of articles for magazines and a Bible study. She is owner of Under the Cover of Prayer and moderates the site. She also writes at A Better Way. Jan has written a children’s book in which she is also the watercolour illustrator. She hopes to publish it sometime.