Grains of Sand

Almost two years ago to the day, I began a new phase in my life’s journey. It was a major move and a pretty big career adjustment. Even though I was sure that this was the route the Lord had carved out for me, there were moments when I had a few qualms. I wonder if Jacob felt the same way. Joseph has sent for his father to join him in Egypt. If Jacob, or Israel, was still in possession of all his mental faculties he probably remembered what had happened to his father, Isaac, and his grandfather, Abraham, when they had gone to Egypt. My guess is that when he got to Beersheba and built his altar there he expressed his concerns to God. And God responded. “‘ I am God, the God of your father,’ he said. ‘Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. I will go down to Egypt with you, and I will surely bring you back again. And Joseph’s own hand will close your eyes’ ” (Genesis 46:3, 4, NIV). Israel had no idea that his descendants would end up as...

In case anyone was wondering why the direction of most of my previous posts over the past weeks has focused on change, trust, and other similar issues, here's the scoop. I've been in Caracas, Venezuela for fifteen years. Prior to that, I served with the same mission on home staff and in Colombia. In total, a sum of thirty years with Fellowship International Ministries. The time has come to move on. It hasn't been a decision made overnight. In fact, over the last few years the need for change in direction has become more and more obvious. The Lord and I have had lots of discussions about the subject. He always remains calm. I, on the other hand, haven't always been so relaxed through the process. But here I am, within two weeks of leaving Caracas. I will still be working part-time with the mission, seconded to the Communications Department and am currently pursuing possibilities as a member of a church staff. Sixty isn't exactly the age to begin a new career, or even...