Moldova Bound in 2 short weeks...

I awoke very early this morning and wanted to go back to sleep but my mind had work to do so I stayed awake pondering. Today's pondering was somewhat stressful. I seemed to be attempting to go over my "Before We Leave To Do List" and that lengthy item put me on a path toward some doubt. And I've gotten quite capable at creating a rather long list of doubts. In fact I'm quite good at beating myself up with my perceived inadequacies. As in...

1. Have I thought of everything that needs to happen before we leave?
2. Is there time to complete all the tasks that are still waiting?
3. Am I so focused on the "supplies" we need that I'm missing more important preparation?
4. How did I get myself into this leadership position?
5. There are still gaps in the schedule - how will those be filled?
6. Others are so much better at this team leading than I am.
   
7. Didn't I know I should have started earlier to implement the ideas that are now surfacing in my mind?
8. Will I be ready when it's time to leave?

So after a few hours of wakefulness, I got up and headed off for my morning walk. As I stepped out of our home, foliage fragrances flowed into my being with each deep breath, the usual birds were singing, deer were wandering on the road, the sun was edging onto the horizon from hidden depth and the limiting lingo of my night's interrupted sleep began to refocus on something so much more hopeful.

• Matthew 28:16-17 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.
  

Jesus' disciples doubted. But who knows what their doubts were. Perhaps they, too, wondered if they were capable of the assignment Jesus had prepared for them. I imagine that they were wondering what Jesus was about to say to them as they came in obedience to the mountain in Galilee where they worshiped and listened even though within some of them were doubts. And without addressing their doubts, He gave them their assignment:

• Matthew 28: 18-20 The Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age."

The human footsteps I follow as the human footsteps I create are limited by frailty and weakness. Jesus knows that. He knew it about his disciples and he knows it about those who've chosen to follow Him in this age. And He continues to commission, empower and lead because it's the way He has chosen to work in this world.

Jesus had told the women at his empty tomb not to be afraid but to go and tell...

How humbling to ponder this truth. I am not to fear but I am to go and make disciples of all nations - that includes Moldova. My commission "to go" has been given to me by one with "all authority". That truth is what overcomes my doubts and provides the confidence needed to continue preparation of all things that fall within the assignment I've been given.

Lord Jesus, please continue to commission some of your servants for ministry in Moldova. Thank you for the privilege to be one of those servants. Equip me with your confidence, your ideas, your wisdom and your strength. I desire to follow your footsteps so that you will receive the honor and glory that is your due. Thank you for being my worthiness.

Your grateful daughter,
Linda