Learning to Lean

Today’s Disclaimer

 

I am positive there is someone in my circle that is tired of hearing about Cambodia. That’s okay, I get it. When something is not on your heart it gets old fast. I used to be this way about the tithing message, the serving message, and well lots of messages. I also know that I tend to drift off into my own thoughts when discussion is about a ministry or event I have no involvement with. It is not about not caring, it is about limited space for information in my brain at this point. I wish everyone well, but I personally can only put so much effort into so many things. So if you stop reading, no offense taken…I get it. I ask you thought to read past Cambodia and see how God is working in me.

 

 

Leaning to Lean

I grew up with old hymns and Southern gospel music. The last few days the chorus of “Learning to Lean’ has been on my mind.

I'm learning to lean, learning to lean,
learning to lean on Jesus.
Finding more power than I'd ever dreamed,
I'm learning to lean on Jesus.

This process to go to Cambodia has stretched my faith. I have not yet left the country and there has been so much growth. I cannot begin to imagine what I will see when I depart in July on the actual trip. I have been forced to trust in God to provide. Forced, may be too strong a word, but I have only gotten this far by God’s grace and the obedience of those He has compelled to give. I am learning to lean. The more I lean, the more empowered I become in my faith.

Leaning on the Everlasting Arms

I am not sure you can contemplate “Learning to Lean” without thinking about “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms”. Face it, they just go together like “We Will Rock You” and “We Are the Champions”

What a fellowship, what a joy divine,
leaning on the everlasting arms;
what a blessedness, what a peace is mine,
leaning on the everlasting arms.

Refrain:
Leaning, leaning,
Safe and secure from all alarms;
Leaning, leaning,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.

What have I to dread, what have I to fear,
leaning on the everlasting arms?
I have blessed peace with my Lord so near,
leaning on the everlasting arms.

I believe these two songs are resonating in my mind because of their message, lean on Jesus. Several leaders and ministers I have listened to have stated faith is having confidence that God will do what he says he will do. Confidence is a strong word. How many of us fail to have confidence in ourselves, let alone anyone else. Look back at the last four lines of “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms”, what have we to dread or fear with our Lord so near.

 

I am grateful for the struggle in raising my funds for Cambodia. If it would have been as easy as a quick fundraiser…I could have taken credit for my great idea or efforts. I am telling you…the funds raised have all been provided by God. James 1:2-7 talks about perseverance leading to maturity in faith. It also speaks of believing without doubt and to ask for the wisdom you need. The Cambodia experience thus far has made me live out these verses. I have had to speak scripture to my tumultuous mind. I have been leaning on the everlasting arms to make this happen.

In this moment, Cambodia is my exercise in perseverance. I believe what I am learning now is going to help me in circumstances to come. There are things I know are on the horizon, things that are going to be determined by the stability and strength of my faith in God. This is but a step in maturity. I do not know what your “moment” is or will be, but I know you better be ready for it. Get in the Bible. Ask God to open your eyes and to fan the hunger for His presence and His Word. Fear the Lord. Stand in awe of everything he has already done and thank him for what he is doing. That is the beginning of the wisdom you are seeking.

I have 8 more days to raise money for Cambodia and I have less than $500 to go. I have had people I hardly know donate to this cause. I have had team members donate to me and I have donated to them. This is cheerful giving with an anticipation of blessing others. What more could we possibly ask than to be a part of bringing people to Jesus.

If you would like to contribute to the Cambodia Mission Trip you can donate at PayPal.me/SueGallien

 

A special thanks to all who have financially and prayerfully supported this 2018 mission team.