What's Standing in Your Way?


It is interesting to me - that in talking to the people who have come to Nicaragua each week you learn something...many of them came in spite of difficulties they encountered.

Rarely do we lead lives that are wrapped up with pretty paper and tied with a nice bow.  Life is messy.  And sometimes, doing the thing that God is calling you to do - means trusting that He has your back.

This week - the stories I've heard from the people I've talked to provided example after example of folks having to overcome difficulties in order to be here.  I'll give you a few examples.  

There is a boy here this week who is a senior in high school.  Months and months ago his family planned to take this trip to Nicaragua to help provide water for families who do not have easy access to it.  The young man is a very talented baseball player, and some time after his family had planned and booked their trip, he learned that this week is also the one in which one in which a big tournament where college and professional scouts will be in attendance, is being held. 

His family said, "you decide" and we will support your decision no matter what your choice is.  (And the boy's father admitted that as a young man his son's age - he probably would have chosen the tournament).  But this boy, whose faith is strong - said, "Mom, Dad - God first." 

Next, one of the interns here left home and a brother who is facing some serious mental health issues.  She felt extremely guilty about leaving until her brother "released" her by saying, "Go.  You need to be there - they need you."

Another woman had to make a 12 hour round trip drive in order to get an issue with her passport fixed.  However, once that was done she ran into issues with her covid test, and then boarding pass...through it all, she continued to persevere.

Then finally, a man attived a day later than the rest of the groups because he had a delayed and then missed flight before getting rescheduled onto one the following day.  While driving to a place to stay, his car was hit by another one...  

When he finally got here to help create the water system for San Benito - he was part of a group of men digging in a section of the trench that had one of the biggest rocks I've ever seen.  It took five strong men, a sledge hammer, a rope, and a lot of muscle to move the boulder out of the way so that the water line could continue.

Often when you feel called by God to do something, Satan will do everything in his power to keep you from it.  In those moments - I encourage you to be courageous, to persevere, and to  know that God has your back.

"But you, take courage!  Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded." - 2 Chronicles 15:7

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