Everything changed the day they were scheduled to fly out of Chicago when a volcano erupted in Guatemala.
Flights cancelled, planes diverted, expectations suddenly in question.
Then the deep, soul-filled questions begin to arise:
"Was this the right thing to do?"
"Is God shutting this door on us?"
"What if He says no?"
I had the chance to talk with Noah as he was waiting in the Houston airport. This is a summary of what I shared with him (Praise God for bringing this illustration to mind):
Imagine if I needed a kidney transplant and you were one of my close friends that offered me your kidney. You went through the blood work, the pre operation tests, insurance claims, and even scheduled a day for surgery. What if, in the end, I decided to accept someone else's kidney, rather than yours? Would that diminish your self-sacrificing offer? Absolutely not! Rather, it would bring me to realize that you would selflessly offer anything of yours to help me. If I knew that you were willing to give me a kidney, how assuredly I would count on you if I needed anything else. (what beats being given a kidney?!)
The same is true with God.
You have gone through the tests, counted the cost, and decided to give up all of your earthly possessions to follow God. He has your heart and can now use you for anything. If He sovereignly chooses to close the door on this mission field, it doesn't diminish your offer! Rather, it brings Him great joy that you are willing to give up everything to advance the work of His kingdom on earth.
After many cancelled and tentative departures, Noah and Abby finally arrived in Guatemala.
Please continue to pray for clarity as God reveals His will for their lives.
You might also pray that, like the Nehls, God would develop a heart in you that He can use for any purpose that He desires.
And now Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.
Deuteronomy 10:12
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:58
