Before Our Journey Begins

by Ashley 

"For I am about to do something new. See I have already begun! Do you not see it?  I am making a way in the desert and streams in the dry wilderness." -Isaiah 43:19 

It is January 1, 2011 and though we are a team that continues to grow closer to one another, I imagine all of us going to South Africa find ourselves in different places the day before our journey begins.  Maybe some of us find ourselves where the streams of abundance flow, ready to be agents of God's goodness and pour out that water to those we will meet.  Maybe some of us find ourselves in the desert place, thirsty for the streams God is filling in others, and hoping at some point in the next two weeks to find ourselves under a cloud pouring His healing rain.  And perhaps a few of us find ourselves both walking somewhere in the wilderness but remembering today the streams of abundance which lie deep within us, remembering ALWAYS that all on this earth are the ones God has created for His glory to be a blessing to others.  No matter where each of us finds our self today, filled or thirsty, one thing is for certain: whether or not we feel equipped, God will use us in the next two weeks to be a blessing to others... and He'll use others to be a blessing to us.  May we keep our eyes and hearts opened wide so as not to miss the things God does in and through us on this journey. 

So Lord, rain on us-- Your goodness, Your traveling mercies, Your love, and Your strength-- that we may use that rain to fill our streams and wash Your blessings over others these next two weeks and in the good new year to come.

And be with our families. Amen.

--Ashley--