"Only Three Weeks"

As soon as she walked in the church door, my friend gave me a hug. "Aww, this is your last Sunday here!" she cried. "I'm going to miss you!" A bit perplexed, I returned the sentiment, but then added, "It's only three weeks."

Only three weeks.

For the rest of the day, I found myself repeating that phrase to many other friends as I said my goodbyes.

That time of year has sneaked up on us faster than ever before. That time of year is referring to mid-May, when my family has been able to lead a mission team to Bangalore, India, for the past three years. This will be our fourth trip, but so many factors will be different this time. Firstly, our time will be shorter. Instead of a four-week trip, we will have only three weeks to complete our variety of ministry activities. Secondly, we are trying to do much more than we ever have- in a shorter period of time. Thirdly, many sudden changes of plans have rendered us virtually incapable of knowing what to expect.

All these factors, combined with the business of the day-to-day busy school and work schedules, have made this year feel most sudden. Honestly, I am still having a hard time making myself believe that in only two days we will be landing in Bangalore.

Yet today, God began stirring in my heart a question. Why is it that I choose to describe this trip as "only three weeks"? Why am I discouraging the excitement of my friends and church family with this belittling phrase?

Somehow, in the midst of frustration and preparation, I had come to see this trip as just that- a short time crowded with much work. A trip full of one event after the other with little sleep in between. A trip where we wouldn't have the time to develop relationships and connect with the church like we had before.

But God kept pressing one challenge on my heart:
"Is my hand shortened, that I cannot redeem?
Or have I no power to deliver?" [Isaiah 50:2]

Though we have planned and purposed, few of those plans seem to be working out. In the midst of my confusion, I forget that He is the One who is directing our steps. He WILL work for the glory of His name and His Kingdom. Though I struggle with lacking eyes of faith, His Kingdom purposes will be accomplished. When His word goes out, it will not return void. No matter how unprepared and weak we His vessels feel, He is pleased to use such feeble people as us to labor for His Kingdom.

Lord, restore to me the eyes of faith. Keep me from seeing this trip as "only three weeks."

May we be joyful prayer as we anticipate these three weeks of seeing God at work in the nation on India!