"What if I asked you to..."

Mark and I served as missionaries in Mexico City for almost eight years. I first began dreaming of being a missionary when I was 17. Fourteen years later we sold everything we owned, Mark quit his job, we uprooted our kids, moved away from our family, our friends, and our church and went for our dream. It was an amazing time in our lives. God taught us so many lessons, we made some of the most amazing friends, and we fell in love with the people of Latin America. 


In 2003 I remember sitting alone one day, asking God for wisdom and direction for our lives, when I quietly heard Him whisper, "What if I ask you to give it all up and go back to the United States?" 


My response to Him went like this, "But I already did that! We already gave it all up. We sold our house, our cars, everything we owned, left Mark's job, and our families. We already did that, God."


And again He softly spoke, "What if I asked you to do it all again? Give up your dream and step out in My dream for you again?"


I struggled with my thoughts, my feelings, and my faith for a little while. Then I quietly answered, "Well I guess I'd do it again." 


And so we returned to Houston with no plans and no jobs, just a sure trust that God knew what He was doing.


Fast Forward...The year is 2009.


I am diagnosed with cancer and it just so happens that I live in one of the best cities in the world for cancer research and treatment. God knew what He was doing.


I am living in the same city as my parents, my brother, and my in-laws who have been an amazing support to me this past year. God knew what He was doing.


I am surrounded by the best friends ever who have cheered me on, listened to me, cried with me, laughed with me, and not let anything fall through the cracks! God knew what He was doing.


I am part of the most incredible church family on the planet! Just last night at our First Thursday worship and prayer service, I was surrounded by a giant group of the most awesome people who laid their hands on me and prayed for me again, and told me over and over that they pray for me daily. God knew what He was doing. 


God, may I always choose to go with your dreams. You can see around the corner, you know what the future holds. You know what You are doing.

"Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you your heart’s desires.

Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you." Psalm 37:4-5