How blessed are we to serve to a God of mysteries. Not only does it keep things interesting (to say the least), but it teaches us to constantly surrender all our worries over to him and trust Him with it all .
We had such favor at the Macedonian Embassy in the first week of our stay in Turkey whilst applying for our visas, we were sure they would be approved.
Lesson 1 - do not rest your trust in things of this earth.
When returning to the embassy 2 weeks later (on Tuesday the 22 March), we expected to walk away with visas in hand and bags at the ready to head to Macedonia on Thursday the 24 March. It seems God had something else in mind for us.
Our visas for Macedonia were declined and our hearts left broken. No formal reason was given to us as to why they were declined but we do not need a reason because we know God is working all things together for the good of those who love him.
Rejoice always, pray, pray, pray and pray some more was the attitude of Hidden World over the past few days as we really trusted God for a miracle.
Lesson 2 - do not put God in a box.
We waited on the Lord but still no visa. But, that in itself was a miracle.
We believe there is a reason that we will not be going to serve in Macedonia.
There could be many reasons and it is probably not only one. Maybe it was so that Explore Africa could finish the work they started there just over 2 weeks ago, maybe it was so that Northbound could know not to follow the process of application that we did, for us God reminded us to surrender ALL and to trust Him completely - not to invest it in earthly things.
We do not know the reason for this yet and the dots are not yet all connected to form the bigger picture, however we trust in the one that does know and who broke the full picture down into these blocks.
We have been so encouraged by the support of Global Challenge, the community back in Jbay as well as the other teams in the nations, and the support of those who love us. But most of all we have been overwhelmed by love and support and encouragement from our Father.
Tonight at 11:30pm, Hidden World will be flying to Israel.
Um, TALK ABOUT BLESSING.
We get to be in Israel over Easter!
Thank you Jesus for opening doors for us.
The past few days have been challenging but have also been humbling as we realized again just how quickly we resort back to using our own strength when things go wrong.
We appreciate all the prayer and support from everyone and we sincerely look forward to connecting the dots of this bigger picture.
He is a good, good father and perfect in ALL of His ways.
How blessed are we to be loved by him.