It’s April 6th.
We leave June 6th.
That gives us just two months to finish preparing for our trip to
India. We will be getting numerous
immunizations and starting our malaria pills.
We will have to make sure our suitcases fit the airline guidelines for
both size and weight. We will make sure
that the clothes we are packing are suitable to an eastern culture and we will
take into consideration the 100+ degree temperatures. We will need to pack protein bars and other
snacks in metal containers (to keep the rodents out). We will have fun picking out gifts to bring
for Pastor Wilson, his family, and the children…then we’ll have to sit on our
luggage to make sure it all fits. We
have a lot to do in preparation for a trip like this. We can make a list and check them off one by
one. That we know how to do, but how do
we prepare our hearts?
When preparing for a marathon, you have to start months
ahead (so I hear). Deciding on the run
and getting the right shoes are only the beginning. You have to start slow and gradually add
miles to your training. To try to run
the 26.2 miles at the beginning would only lead to defeat. So is our walk with the Lord. It requires training and practice. We must exercise our hearts by the Word of
God and prayer to increase our faith and to be good servants of Jesus Christ.
In an article titled Spiritual Muscle Development by Paul
Tripp, he says it like this:
“What is the equipment of God’s gym of faith? Here are the things that he has designed for
you to build the muscles of your heart and strengthen your resolve: the
regular study of his Word; consistent godly fellowship; looking for God’s glory
in creation every day; putting yourself under excellent preaching and teaching
of Scripture; investing your quiet mental time in meditating on the goodness of
God (e.g., as you are going off to sleep); reading excellent Christian books;
and spending ample time in prayer.
All of these will result in spiritual strength and vitality.”
As Luke and I prepare for a journey that may be one the most
difficult of our lives, we will focus on these areas, knowing full well that it
is the Lord that will give the increase.
Please continue to be with us in prayer.
You might want to also pray for Luke as he goes for his
immunizations. :/ He is quite certain this will be the most
difficult part of the trip! Says the boy
that has never been farther than Florida…
1 Timothy 4:6-10
If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.