Proverbs 16:9 In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.

So much for my well laid plans! It was the third week in May, and my 7 months preparation for working in South Asia had just been cancelled. As I sought the advice of others, the comforting words I held onto were that "God obviously has a plan." So, I waited, trusting that God had a plan. 

Days later God confirmed that He was arranging things to bless my socks off! And again, I was reminded that He knows the desires of my heart: An invitation was extended for me to join the CCF team leaving for Bolivia in July. Not only was this an opportunity to work with a wonderful missionary couple and organization I fully trusted, but a mentor-ship opportunity to do medical outreach and sports ministry with the team! Since middle school, I have also held onto a dream to work sharing the Gospel with Spanish speaking nations. Yes, God was giving me a new direction to something natural.

In fact, this opportunity really feels like a second chance at half finished plans, and I have to laugh because God's timing truly is perfect. The year before, I had started planning a similar trip for the college students, but due to many factors the opportunity was not made available. I also find it humorous that Paul is leading this team, as I had tried to recruit him to co-lead with me before as well. And Colin Halstead, once again the ever encouraging, proponent for trips to Bolivia finally has us all heading the right direction to supply the Collins with some well loved treasures to remind them of Oregon, blueberries and pasta sauce. (We are still trying to figure out how to bring the later of the two.) Now the first week of June, I am eagerly awaiting and super excited about our plans of community outreach, language learning, VBS, sport camps, and opportunities doing medical work!

Surprise! The location was never the goal but the work. And the work will continue to be about sharing about Jesus. If my life is about him, than I am called to glorify him in whatever it is that I do. Oh the pure beauty of simplicity, and how I run to complicate it. I can analyze and critique His direction, but when my abilities and talents are removed, all that is left is my God-given emotional response to injustice in the world, and the knowledge that I am HIS, 100%. 

Please pray that we would be a team united in love that brings glory to God.

 

Bethany Scott