God showed me ...

W and I talk about the meaning of "signs" for a believer of Christ. When things fall into place, does it mean God is speaking? Our mission application process has been smooth. We've had many people affirming "your great adventure." Easy for them to say. And the "great" and "good fit" we keep hearing are easy to believe, so far.

W noted: "We could either assume, 'This is going so well because we're supposed to go,' and expect our missionary journey will be one great experience after another, or ... this could mean that God is confirming our calling because He knows it will be hard and awful later, so we'll need reassurance." Yikes.

We agreed that it doesn't have to be one or the other. Probably, the helpfulness of friends and colleague (and the affirmation of our call by those who know us) is God's encouragement, now and later.

After writing yesterday, we had one of those strange affirmations. I had listed a RSM aquarium on Craigslist last week. Several people expressed interest immediately. Some tried to nickel-and-dime me, some asked detailed questions about this and that, about "what else comes with it?" and some wanted to pick it up in weeks when we'd already be traveling.

"Is it too late to come tonight?" last night's caller asked. "We won't pick it up, but we are starting in saltwater and your setup sounds like what we need."

It was late. I got out of my PJs and W cleared a few boxes from the entry. They arrived with the sweetest young girl, and looked at what we had.

Then they gave us $50 more than I'd asked for. What?!

The kit is easily worth 7X that much, but still.

We've prayed that God would spare us the painful process of shedding things to people who didn't really want it. We don't want each transaction to be arduous. We don't want energy sucked out of us by whiners and complainers. Thus, W and I are asking God for help in setting fair prices all around so that the buyer and we are both happy.

I sent a few hundred dollars of equipment home with the family last night. And they're coming Wednesday to pick up their new tanks. We're both delighted!

Is it a sign?

Read more:
*Behold, to the Lord your God belong heaven and the highest heavens, the earth and all that is in it. Deuteronomy 10:14 NASB

*Why should I fear when trouble comes, when enemies surround me? They trust in their wealth and boast of great riches. Yet they cannot redeem themselves from death by paying a ransom to God. Redemption does not come so easily, for no one can ever pay enough to live forever and never see the grave. Psalm 49:5–9 NLT

*In these last days God has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. Hebrews 1:2 NLT

Moravian Prayers: Creator God, in you we live and breathe and have our being. Let the beauty that surrounds us in all your creation be an ever-present reminder of your power and your love. Amen.