John Stott teaching 17,000 college students each morning from the book of Romans. Small group Bible studies. Representatives from dozens of mission agencies waiting to talk with me.
Then there was the midnight communion service on New Year’s Eve with Billy Graham. It had been an amazing three days. Hearing his challenge to serve the Lord on the mission field was, to say the least, moving and inspiring.
Still, when the invitation came to stand…I didn’t. I wasn’t sure I was ready to commit to serving the Lord in a foreign land. He asked again. And again. What did I have to lose? I stood up. And meant it.
I began filling out the necessary paperwork to head to Brazil as a missionary teacher. Funny thing was, the very next day this new guy started at work. My co-workers said ‘he was perfect’ for me. I didn’t know what that could possibly mean.
Fast-forward a couple of months. My heart was torn. I had promised God to serve Him on the mission field. But the first day after returning from Urbana, I met my soon-to-be husband. I was not expecting this turn of events!!!
After lots of tears, prayers and a hard-to-write letter to the mission board, I stayed stateside. There was often a twinge of guilt when I thought about those days. I had let God down and seemingly chosen the easier road.
About fifteen years ago, God gently reminded me that I HAD made good on my promise to serve Him full-time in ministry. It was just in a different way and a different place…OCS. Only God could shape my path in such surprising ways to serve His people.
Who could have dreamed it? God did. And I am forever grateful that His dreams for me are so much bigger, better and far more beautiful than my own.
settingmyhearttohonorhim 