God's Will

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.--Romans 12:2

God's will is a mysterious thing. We heard a great sermon today about the "adventure" of following God's will for our lives. We know that His will is perfect, and we are not called to agree with it or even understand it. We are simply called to be obedient. Sometimes He reveals His will to us, but mostly, we simply must trust that He is in control and just go down the path we believe He has set before us.

We are certainly in that mode right now. We don't know why He has decided to have Tammy go through this at this time, but we are content in the knowledge that He is in control.

For several years, Tammy has prayed, "Use me in a mighty way." She has felt like God was preparing her for "something big"--something that can point others to Him. As we got involved in the missions work in Poland, first through our daughter and later being able to be a part of it in person, she thought that might be the "big thing." We came into contact with so many young people who came to love Tammy, and may come to a deeper relationship with the Lord partly because of Tammy's example.

But now we believe this is "the big thing." We believe it is part of the plan to draw others to Christ. Tammy is very much at peace with whatever this disease brings, because she knows that God can be glorified. If she is healed completely, as is our selfish prayer, then God can be glorified because of His power. If He chooses to have her suffer with the effects of the disease for a long period of time, He can be glorified through her faithfulness. If He chooses to bring her Home because of this disease. He can be glorified by her peace.

She very much believes Philippians 1:18-26: "But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me."

We pray that you will be blessed during this time. We have felt tremendous support from so many family members and friends. We pray that every one of you will draw closer to Him as you deal with your emotions. Tammy is in great hands, from a physical standpoint with the hands of the physicians who are managing her care, and from a spiritual standpoint with the Hands of the Great Physician.

God bless you. Thank you for your continued prayers.