73- A Plan with Dan and a Plan with God

73- A Plan with Dan and a Plan with God

The Plan with Dan:

This is Mark’s baby dedication. We were once again on the fast-track of God’s plan and it was challenging but it was good, and He was faithful.

July 11, 1982 Father, I know that I need to spend much more time with You. When I shared this with Dan and said I needed his help (which I have asked him for before), he said, “ok, we need to get to bed by 9:15 and be asleep by 10, then we can be up at 5am for our individual devotions.” Praise You, Lord.

We decided that either Thursday or Saturday will be for having friends over for dinner, so Monday and Tuesday can be study nights and bread baking nights. Then whichever night we are not having company can be our family night. Father I have desired this. Please work this out. Then Sunday is church and Wednesday is Bible study here or at a friend’s home. Friday Dan works late at KNIS.

I’m not sure how long this lasted, with long busy days and with kids not sleeping consistently through the night, but we kept spending time daily with God as our goal.

The Plan with God:

God has plans and purposes for His people. Mary had no clue what was in store for her when she said YES to God. She went by faith that He would be trustworthy. And He was faithful.

July 23, 1982

Sometimes I look at my life and am distressed because I am using the comparison of other lives of people who are doing great things for God.

But last night God gave me quick victory.

I felt He said: “Remember you wanted to be a missionary? Well these stresses—your husband’s long working days and lots of hours at church, imperfect living conditions, continual financial crunch—are all the same sorts of things that would be issues on the mission field. So think of yourself as God’s special missionary to the Lemaire’s and the Renoites and trust Him for your life.”

I immediately felt a sense of adventure rather than a heavy burden.