Trusting God's Timing

"But these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be Patient! They will not be overdue a single day." Habakkuk 2:3

Why is waiting so hard? Why is it so hard to trust God and believe that he really does have a plan for our lives? And that it is a good plan and that he will bring it to pass in his time and in his way? I think it comes down to the word TRUST. Do we, can we, trust God to do what he says he will do? Do we really, truly, deep down inside believe that he is in control and that everything will work out just the way God wants it to be?

A quote I have hanging by my desk says, "Faith is believing in advance what will only make sense in reverse." I think that faith and trust are closely linked. Without faith that God CAN do what he says, we cannot trust that God WILL do what he promised. We hold on to faith in order to continue to trust.

So, that brings me to what is going on in our lives here at the Smallegans. We are continuing to struggle with the decision of whether to take the call to the church in Texas. We were embraced and welcomed by the people from the church there. We received a good dose of southern hospitality. The people there are looking for a change. They are a dying church and if something is not done, they will have to close their doors. This is something that is exciting. That God could use us to give rebirth to this church. At the same time, it is frightening. The "What if's" start coming up. What if it is too late to save this church? What if the people want to save their church but do not really want to change? What if they close their doors and we are without a church again? What if they cannot take in enough money to pay their bills?

So we stand again between faith and trust. Do we step out in faith and trust God to provide? Do we wait for God to send us another opportunity? We don't know, but thankfully God does. Please continue to pray that his will will be clear to us.

In Christ,

Shannon

deep in the heart of Texas

Got back from Dalhart, Texas at 2:00 this morning. We had a wonderful time although the weather could have been better. We had hail, rain (which they needed), wind, and cold. It was actually 20 degrees warmer in Illinois this weekend than it was in Texas. However, if we could count the warmth from the people we met there, it was definitely nice and warm in Texas this weekend.

We spent the weekend being shown around the town, church, school, and surrounding farm and ranch land. It is a beautiful part of the country and we enjoyed our tour. The church members were very easy to get to know and they were very open about their church and its needs.

We are now in the process of praying and thinking about God's will for Dave's ministry and for our family. There are many things about the church and community that make us believe that we belong there. There are a few things that are a cause for concern. We know that God has a great plan for our lives and we continue to wait on him to show us the way.

May God Bless you Today and always!!
Shannon

Goodbye Nebraska, Hello Texas

We got the news this week that they have chosen to call someone else to the church in Nebraska. Dave and I are actually relieved by this. In fact, it is exactly what we have been praying for. While some things about Nebraska excited us, some things concerned us. We are glad that God has relived us of the burden of deciding yes or no.

So what is next...Dave and I are heading to Texas this week on Thursday for a visit with a church. Dave will preach on Sunday in a neutral church. We will get to meet the church people and get to see the town and church and surrounding area.

Thanks for all your prayers and we will continue to keep you up to date.

Shannon

Celebrating Easter

Celebrating Easter without knowing Jesus is like going to a birthday party for somebody's else's friend or family member. You can sing along, but it's hard to do it with any passion. (quote from "Apoligetix" e-mail)

WOW. Think about the above statement. The only way we can really celebrate Easter is if we know the guest of honor personally. I do. Do You? If not, get to know Jesus personally today.

Happy Easter.

Shannon