Tuesday, July 31, 2018

His Sufficiency!

"Are you musical too?" is the question we get from many of our visitors as our four kids are putting away their instruments.  "Um, no, I mean we really like music.  I played the french horn in junior high. Don tried the guitar out for a bit when he was younger. . . "  

Really, we got nothing.  We can take no credit.  This is the Lord's.  All of it.  The provision of a violin for Hannah and visitors that drum to teach Samuel.  The heart to worship and honor the Lord.  The desire for vocal lessons.  The impossibilities of living here yet the opportunities to teach which in turn causes the teacher to learn.  The sufficiency of the Lord to fulfill the desires on their hearts.


And it is not just with music.  His sufficiency is so clearly evident in many areas of our life here. 

And yet, why is it so hard to remember sometimes? 

Why do we doubt when the struggle increases? 

We need to remember.  We need to testify to His faithfulness.  We need to share His stories. 

We are preparing for a Lifegate team to arrive in a couple weeks.  As Caleb and I work on their schedule, we are squeezing in times for all of us that live here long-term to share what the Lord has done.  The teams think that this time is for them but really it is for our hearts. 

The challenge is to be current with what the Lord is doing.  We usually start with the history.  His faithfulness as we waited for His timing to step into this adventure long-term.  His provision as we traveled through Mexico with an overloaded camper.  His perfectly timed arrival of the exact amount that we needed. 

But how has the Lord moved lately?  What are the recent prayer requests that He has answered in His amazing, miraculous way? 

Because if He isn't still answering then did we stop asking?  Did we somehow start relying on our own strength?

What "good and perfect gift" have we received lately?

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17

Where has our 'lack' in a situation been met by His power?

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me." 2 Corin. 12:9

When did He provide for not just our needs but also our desires?

"You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing" Psalm 145:16

As I sit with my oldest and discuss the future, with the tears flowing, there is doubt and fear.  No place to live, no mattress even if there was, not enough for the monthly expenses let alone tuition.  "Is this the right decision?" 

I am not sufficient to meet his needs.  I can't give him the 'extra mattress' from our spare room.  I won't be there to help him set up house wherever that ends up being.  Oh, Lord, help. 

But this isn't what I speak out loud.

"Did the Lord lead you here?"  "Does your heart stir at the idea of becoming a better worship leader, at the idea of sitting at His feet, at learning how to be excellent musically?"  "Has He provided for you in the past?"  "Do you trust Him to do it again?"

Questions for him or me?  Well, all except the 'worship leader' one - no one is ready for me to pick up the microphone!

So we sit in our weakness, trusting that His power is perfect.  Trusting in His faithfulness.  And we are asking, expectant that He will answer.  He is good.  He is worthy.  He is sufficient. 


I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
    where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth. 
Psalm 121:1-2