I had an epiphany tonight in the back of a truck in El Salvador, going down the highway, looking up at the huge stars.
I found myself doing the good ol’ “ask God a question and say one shooting star means yes, and then wait” game.
But He didn’t answer me with a shooting star.
His answer was better.
He said to me “I have told you no more and no less than you need to know.”
This seems very obvious, but take a second to think about it.
I know NO MORE than I need to know, but also NO LESS.
Here I was, sitting in a truck, holding on for dear life as a chilly wind nipped at me and roughed up my hairdo, and instead of praying for safety and for the ministry and for the people around me, I was playing shooting star games? Ay ay ay, Helena.
Today my Papa got my attention. He told me to pay attention to the things I do know.
- I’m serving in ministry with Templo Cristiano in El Salvador.
- I’m making peace with the fact I’ll be the translator 80% of the time this month, if not more, regardless of my choppy Spanish.
- It’s my JOB to engage people here, to build relationships and to LISTEN.
- It’s my privilege to pray, preach, share testimonies, translate, sing silly songs, tickle children, and clap till my hands tingle.
I know NO LESS than what I need to know.
I know my Daddy is in charge. He’s got everything taken care of in my life.
I’m doing exactly what He wants me to do.
A lady who ran the kids’ ministry this morning told me that she was speaking with another brother, who worked with us on a different day. She said “the brother mentioned he worked with the missionaries and talked about you, Helena, because he said you were full of grace. And I agree, you have a supernatural grace about you, the grace of God.” Is that so? Thank You, God, for the encouragement today, and for that information. I needed to hear that, so I heard it.
Everyday I live is full of God’s grace, and it shows through.
By His grace, I move forward.
I’m stepping out of the second-guessing, hesitating, awkward funk I was in. That’s over with!
I’m stepping forward with thanksgiving, peace, and trust.
I’m thankful that God tells me exactly what I need to know. No more and no less.
After this came to me, I just smiled. I kept looking up at the sky, this time just praising God.
Nevermind on the shooting star, Daddy.
This sky is enough.
What an amazing Epiphany!!!And what an amazing compliment!! Who could ask for more than to be an example of Grace!!!
So proud of you guys!!
Heleninha,
Mais um blog lindo, lindo ,lindo. Sabios pensamentos! Esteja certa de que Deus esta colocando varias estrelas para brilharem em sua vida (todas essas pessoas que estao ao seu redor) e voce esta sendo uma estrela na vida destas pessoas, refletindo a luz de Cristo e iluminando o caminho para que elas encontrem o Senhor Jesus.
Parabens, e que Deus abencoe abundantemente o seu trabalho! Beijos e saudades!!!!
Yes! Yes! Yes!!!! I love everything about this!!! You do show the grace of God through your life. I am so for you in all of this and I love you Sooooo much!!! Welcome back my sister.
Amanda/Naomi
So glad you shared this. It’s amazing to hear God’s voice. Thank you for sharing how God gives you and me what we need. Right on time. Love & prayers.
Amen! Praise God from all blessings flow! Thank you for sharing as you grow in the Lord. You are truly a blessing.
Love you.
Rhayma
What an amazing compliment! Being filled with grace! I loved your insight. You have a deep rich understanding of the heart of God
Helena,
In God’s amazing universe,
We may not be the brightest stars,
But we have been given the light just right
To shine His love into others’ lives…
And even though we are seen from afar
Shooting stars or fixed upon the sky
No longer do we have to wonder WHO we are:
Twinkle-twinkle, little ‘star-lights’ of Jesus Christ!
You are my ‘estrelinha brilhante’,
Te amo,
Mamae