Inflight Refueling

 What fills you up?  Sometimes to figure that out, you have to ask yourself, “What empties me out?”  Many times when I feel empty, I’ll focus on being tired or some form of self-pity.  Soon I’m reminded of the life Christ modeled for us.  He emptied Himself.  This is what all Christians are called to.  Once empty, you are ready to hear and receive from the Lord. 

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”  Rom. 15:13

Not only are we refilled, we are better than before!  Kind of like the old introduction to the TV drama, The 6 Million Dollar Man (if you are old enough to remember it!).  “We can rebuild him.  Better, stronger and faster than before”.  After an emptying or a tearing down, God’s Holy Spirit rebuilds us better than before if we submit ourselves to His process.  God’s process of rebuilding happens in His timing, so be patient. 

I believe that is where I am at today, and my family is at different stages of this same process (frankly, all Christians are).  My whole family is different than we were last year.  Personally, I have a more positive outlook.  God helps me see challenges that would have discouraged me last year, as an opportunity this year.  I am not 100% in this, but better than before!  God has uniquely gifted each person to fulfill His special mission for us.  No one else can do it, and there are no training short cuts.  It is really encouraging to see the Lord work in our lives when we wait, being patient and trusting Him to refill and rebuild us.  That is when we see real lasting change.  Otherwise it’s just us modifying a bad habit.  Generally, we run out of steam pretty quickly and slip back into our old patterns.

The challenges we face each day here in Mexico are outmatched by God’s Grace and Faithfulness.  He has done amazing things in the lives of the children at Grace Children’s Home and in my children as well as they continue to be challenged in school and ministry.  Each day we see our children growing through the difficulties life brings them and claiming each victory the Lord provides through obedience (contrasted by a vicious cycle through disobedience).  Step by step we see God’s healing and provision in their lives as each one grows in spiritual maturity. 

             

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”  Eph.  6:12

Would you please agree to join me in consistent prayer for our children?  I am a product of praying parents so I know it works.  Faithful Prayer is really the greatest thing you can do to help us and all our children here at GCH. 

I would like to extend an official and grateful thank you to all those who have supported us in 2014 through your prayers and generous giving.  You have impacted both Mexico today and eternity in Heaven.  We are looking forward to an even more victorious 2015!  Thank you for your labor in prayer and sacrifice.

May God richly bless you as you continue in your faithful service to Him,

The Hanson Family, Michael, Melissa, Caleb, Sarah and Nathan.