It was a humid day last year when we piled into a 15 passenger van to take us into the Guatemala City Dump area. We were squished in like sardines this day and the driver was . . . well, let’s just say he was driving as all Guatemalans do. . . totally crazy!
Our team was there to partner with the Guatemala Potter’s House. We were there to serve the Dump City and to love on the families that we were beginning to get to know. It had been a great trip so far. Laughter, tears, sweat and thankfully no blood.
Through the mountainous drive, the laughter and conversation filling the van I heard that quiet soft whisper that I had heard years before there in Guatemala. As I strained my ears and heart to listen more intently the whisper became clear, “It’s time to build a house here.”
I wanted to shout, “WHAT?”
I wanted to say, “Hey y’all, did you hear what I heard? Can you be quiet and listen because this is crazy?”
But I didn’t. I just sat there in silence. I’ve come to recognize this sweet whisper as the Holy Spirit of God speaking to my soul. Even as confusing as this was, there was still something so precious about it.
There was something so breathtakingly beautiful and holy about that moment.
I remember the sounds, the stench of the city as we traveled, and the conversation that was happening all around me. It’s as if that moment was frozen in time in my memory. But I just sat paralyzed by the fear of building a house.
Side Note: Y’all I’m a girly-girl, who doesn’t speak Spanish, who doesn’t really care for hammers and saws, and has not a lick-of-knowledge about building houses. Hmmmmm, especially in Guatemala. So don’t tell me God hasn’t a sense of humor! BTW – we are partnering with those who have all that knowledge. Thank you, Lord, for providing wisdom. Amen!
So to sure things up, I lifted up a quick prayer for God to confirm in various ways I had heard him correctly. And to be exact, there were three confirmations within the next two days and three more once I returned home.
God was relentless then.
But here I sit now and I’m overwhelmed. It’s 82 days before our trip and things aren’t adding up. Our team has room for a few more people and we are short $4000.
Those are big items to fill when you are traveling to a foreign country to build a house in 5 days for one sweet family to have a home. A real structure with blocks and not just a metal lean-to atop the dirt. This is a big need because time and money are the biggest resources for anyone to give up.
Big because it seems impossible.
Big because I’m pretty sure God said to do this.
Overwhelming because it seems so much.
With weary faith I find myself questioning if I heard God right.
And I wonder could I have just made this all up myself? Heavens, do you ever have these battles in your own mind?
Did God really say to forgive that person? Did God specifically nudge me to build this business? Did God seriously whisper . . .
Today it’s a full-on raging war in my mind. Did I hear right or not?
This need is so grand that it is paralyzing. The mission so big that it might fail. (Wanna know a secret? I don’t like to fail.)
And before I knew it the bigness of ministry was taking over my soul again, and it was time to settle back down and look at the small. It was then that I determined that all I could do was pray big, but work small.
Focus on the small steps to strengthen your faith.
I’m praying big prayers for our trip. I know God surely whispered those sweet words to my soul. Even on my doubting days, I just know he did. So, I’m holding on to the assurance that He is Jehovah Jireh, the God who provides.
One small step I can take is to continually promote and talk about what God is doing in Guatemala. With just a few spots left, would you like to join us? I can’t give you all the specifics yet, but I know God’s hand will be all over this house and team. Click here to join the team. To read about Guatemala click here.
And another step is to not focus on the $4000 that is still needed and be overwhelmed, but to take the time to ask others if they have a small amount they could donate. Small donations make up big lump sums in the end. Could you help out? If just 400 people donated a small $10 we’d make our budget. Donate here through GoFundMe. If you prefer to send a check email me and I will send you the mailing address.
What is overwhelming you and swallowing up your faith?
Just remember along your journey that it is the small steps that will make a difference. A daily diligence in the small reap big rewards.
What is the big thing overwhelming you at the moment?
Forgiving someone
Being diligent in the little
Building a new business or ministry
Serving the unlovable
Making time for family
What are the first three small steps you can take to strengthen your faith and help you move on? I’ve already given you the first one — pray big, work small!
Hey, can I ask a small favor of you? Can you share and ask your friends to consider going or donating? That would be a huge blessing to me.