Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 3:20
Dear Readers,
Excitement and tears mingle as I write to you this morning. A major milestone has just passed. Daily Dose of Encouragement is no more, but this blog is. I feel teary eyed at the passing of the old, yet beside myself with excitement for the new. I have to admit I had a hard time giving up the old format at first. I loved having God’s Word go forth from our website five days a week. As much as I love that, I hate something else more. Quitting. Quitting anything. Anytime. I’ve always believed the old saying that quitters never win, and winners never quit.
So, I’m not.
What I am doing, what ZMI is doing, is moving forward in obedience to His calling and His direction. This change is His direction. The message never changes but sometimes the method of getting that message out does.
Sometime ago I shared the following story with you, and the Lord brought it back to my memory today. It is so relevant for now – for such a time as this!
“I don’t know how I’m going to do all this Lord. So much is happening in the ministry, good things, in so many different places. You know I’m not equipped to handle it! We need volunteers Lord! We need workers, for the fields really are white unto harvest! And we need the financial resources to do what you’ve called us to do.”
“It’s way above my head God. I see the giants all around us. What do I do?”
The room was dark and Tom slept soundly beside me, muffled snores the only thing breaking the silence. And of course my thoughts were whirling as I lay beside him, wide awake at 3:00 a.m. Getting up for the third time, I decided to take Clayton King’s advice and start reading Deuteronomy, hoping I’d fall asleep within 7 verses like he said.
Instead of making me fall asleep, God used what I call the Reminder Book, Deuteronomy, to remind me again of His faithful leading since the time He called me to this mission of ZMI Family Ministries International.
He reminded me He is the One who has done it, and will continue to do it. My calling is simply to obey, to speak the truth of His Word in love, and to follow His lead. And to do it at His speed, baby step by baby step, or to run with Him, however He chooses. Right now, he has me running faster than I ever thought I could go.
He reminded me not to be afraid of the giants – those threatening details – that try to stand in the way of the mission. He will provide.
Back in bed, I finally fell asleep sometime after 4:30 a.m…”
That is God’s promise to all of us. He has a mission, a plan, for all our lives. When we let Him, He will do it in and through us.
Confirmation. It’s like a breath of fresh air when you need it most. Yes, the mission He started years ago will move forward as He leads. We will not stop because of giants in the land. I really do believe that the best is yet to come and I’d love for you to be a part of it!
Dear one has God called you to a mission and you’ve been afraid to move forward? Are the giants plaguing you with doubt? Don’t listen!
I invite you to join us on mission right here at home or in a foreign land. God has a plan for you! Time is short. The need is great! We have so many opportunities for ministry, yet so few workers for the harvest. If you’d like to serve on our volunteer team – behind the scenes – or helping to lead the pack, please email me! brenda@zmiinternational.org
As the ministry has grown, so has our vision to reach further than we ever dreamed. As God sends new opportunities. This new blog is one way we can share those opportunities, such as the upcoming International Missions Holiday Gala, which will take place on November 20. Last year’s event was awesome and we’d love to have you join this year! We’d love for you to see for yourself what God has done among us in 2015! Just email me at the address above and I’ll get you all the information for what we believe will be one of the greatest nights in the history of ZMI!
Ponder these things as you go about life today, and listen to this song as you begin the pondering. Just click the link below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSRkM5kOEV0&index=1&list=PL_nGHsLuC1cUtVtf32KXZs0LLqSf0MZCd
I will look forward to hearing from you!
As always
Your Traveling Partner,
Brenda Lancaster
Author/Founder/Director