Who’s in Charge

In 2019 I was supposed to go to Haiti on a mission trip, first in January, and then again in April. In January the U.S. state department issued a travel ban due to political unrest in Port au Prince. And later there was a shortage of diesel in Haiti, making both travel and staying at the mission house problematic. 

            There were ten of us going.  We all had a sense of disappointment.  When we started to plan the trip there was great excitement, and it had continued to build. I was to teach a group of pastors, and there were to be medical clinics in several nearby villages.  Such a trip is truly a life-changing event.

            But for reasons we could not fully understand, we had to wait.  We had prayed for weeks that the travel ban would be lifted.  We had the best of intentions all along. And yet, in the end, we are not able to go. Why? Why would God not open the door for us to serve others in His name? 

            I admit that I don’t have all of the answers.  I do know this. God’s timing is different from ours, and it is always perfect.  We trust Him.  We believe He sometimes opens, and at other times closes doors.  There may be times He tests us to see if we trust Him as we should.  At other times He may be protecting us from dangers about which we know nothing. 

            There are times when God’s answer is “no.”  Paul asked for a thorn in the flesh to be removed from his life, but God’s answer was, “My grace is sufficient for you.”  Paul was satisfied with that answer. I pray that I will be as well. 

            You may be facing some disappointment. You wanted something, but it has been delayed, or even not available. Will you trust God to answer in His time and in the right way?  He does what is best for us.  He is faithful. We can trust Him. 

            Just FYI, we were finally able to make the trip in September.  It was a marvelous experience.  The fact is that God knows what He is doing, and again, it is our lot to trust and follow Him.  He will not fail you.