sometimes we need reminded

For those days when I wondered if God could really use us here in Valladolid or if maybe He made a mistake in bringing us here...usually days of walking in my flesh...there are amazing landmarks which ground me. In the old testament, God often had the Israelites set up piles of stones or other things to make landmarks when something significant happened, really when God did something amazing. In a Christian's life, there should also be these landmarks. Think of your own life. I bet if you think about it even for a couple seconds a few key moments or situations pop in your head of when God did something amazing in your life. It may have been a tragic or magnificent event. I have several to call my own, and a lot of them are placed steadily along the road that brought us to Spain. The first day I heard God telling us to pursue missions full-time was during a church service in my home church. Although I, and Justin, had always been open to missions, that day, I felt the Holy Spirit pressing me, saying, you can and will do this. Honestly, it excited me and freaked me out. I decided not to tell Justin. Instead I asked God to press the same thing on Justin if this is really what He wanted us to do. About two weeks later, as Justin & I sat in our living room, he told me he thought we should do missions. Of course, I freaked out, questioned him profusely, and then told him that I had felt the same thing and asked God to make it clear to us both if it were truly His desire. So, immediately we started praying and asking God to show us when, where, and with whom we should go. A few months later, the doors started to open for us to go to Spain through Avant. I can remember times during team skype calls just crying and begging God to get us to Spain to tell the people there about Jesus. I also remember the overwhelming joy when we got the 'go ahead' from Avant to purchase our plane tickets. We had waited and prayed diligently to hear this. We were thrilled to think in just a month from their approval, we would be on Spanish soil. These are the moments that God brings to my memory when I feel like we can't be here. When I feel like no one is going to listen to some American, stumbling her way through Spanish, sounding like a baby, telling them they need Jesus, God reminds me that He brought us here. He is fully capable of using our meager efforts to give forth the Words of Life to bring salvation, fruit, and ultimately a growing body of Spanish believers. Next time you start questioning God, wondering where He is or if you are where He wants you, look over your shoulder at all the landmarks. Landmarks of provision, confirmation, and growth. If you were unsure before, take comfort that God has worked amazingly in your life and is leading you right down the path He desires for you.