Start praying now, because Nick will be leaving for a nine month tour in southeastern Afghanistan this July. As many of you know, he has been wanting to do this for quite some time. I am not so enthused. Even with being able to anticipate this as a possiblity, I still took it as a shot to the gut last night when Nick broke the news.
Still, we know that with so many people praying over this situation it absolutely is God's will for Nick to go down this path, and we are confident that he will be faithful to see us through it. Lately I've been using my Daily Light devotional book from Traynor and Morrow. The devotionals are strictly scripture - different verses put together in a cohesive way that makes sense. They're pre-planned for each date. Here's what December 3rd says:
"I would seek God and to God I would commit my cause. Is anything too hard for the Lord? Commit your way to the Lord, trust in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. * Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and suppication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. * Cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. * Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers, and read it; and Hezekiah went up to the house of the Lord, and spead it before the Lord. * It shall come to pass that before the call I will answer; and while the are still speaking, I will hear. * The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. * I love the Lord, because He has heard my voice and my supplications. Because He has inclined His ear to me, therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live."
I love it when the Lord provides for me in ways like this - a surprisingly applicable word of scripture in such a timely way. It makes me remember that he is in control over all of this. I just have to commit to following him, and he'll make my path straight.
July seems as if it is a long way off, but I would appreciate any of you who will help me prepare Nick's journey through prayer. Pray for his preparation, for the preparation of those he will serve with. Pray for the Afghan people he will be serving, pray for peace in Mehtar-Lam, which is where he will be.
I'm so thankful for all of you who I know read this. Your continued support over the next 18 months will make all the difference for us.
4 comments:
You know our prayers have been, are, and will be there. Love, Mom
You, Nick, and Fin are always present in my prayers but I'll make them a little more specific for the next 18 months. Hope all is going well in SC.
I will definitely be thinking of you. A close friend of mine is there right now. He's been extended once to Feb., and I just found out today he may get extended again to May. I know it's not quite the same, but I feel for you both. Miss you bunches!
As always, my thoughts are with you, Nick, and Fin. Addy and I miss you all dearly!
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