Surprise!

I think we’ve discovered one of the biggest shocks all rooky missionary families realize when they settle into their mission.  I think we all discover that life “out on the field” is the exact same as it is at home!  I’ve been told this by missionary’s for 15 years; but never believed them.  Now that we’ve here I see they were right.  I assumed everything would seem more spiritual, more full of joy, more “intentional”.  And you know what?  It can.  However, it’s no different than at home.  As I was reading Luke 6 this morning, as these thoughts came to me.

³⁷ “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. ³⁸ Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

This scripture has inspired a renewed desire to bless those who are around me by giving freely.  What do I have that the Lord has not provided?  Has God provided these things for my benefit alone?  As my brother (Christian Brother) Russ has always told me; “You don’t need to move anywhere to serve the Lord”.  So, there you have it; it’s the same.  I think that’s great news.  Any and all the blessings from the Lord that I have access to down here in Mexico, you have access to back home.

Isn’t it exciting to think that God is pleased to pour out abundant blessing and life on us in order that we can bless those that are around us?!!  Who loses on that deal??  The answer is, there is only one group that loses.  The ones who reject the Lords blessing by rejecting him are the only people that lose.  These perks of blessings are only available to seekers/followers.  The only scary part is kick starting the process.  God doesn’t need any encouragement, he needs to see obedience and sacrifice before he’ll start the process.  The fact is, he has already started the process of blessing.  We (typically or at least speaking from myself) just haven’t given enough away yet.  We need to empty our pockets of what we possess.   Then God will refill them with true riches and blessing.

We just recently hosted a team from Santa Cruz Bible Church (our home church).  What a blessing to be with friends and loved ones again.  We spent every waking moment we could with them just enjoying being around them.  They gave sacrificially and will be blessed for it.  It was strange seeing them off a few days later watching them leave as we stayed.  So many times we’ve gone home with them.  They are like family.  We miss them already.

I have yet to find a passage in the Bible were one of his saints comes up short when fulfilling his will.  God has always provided.  Be encouraged; the Lord is watching and waiting.

Blessings,

The Hanson’s