Greetings all,
Samuel went to his checkup today, and what a wonderful blessing it was to hear that he is recovering well. Samuel is eating much better, gaining weight (11 lbs. 5oz.) and his lungs are pretty well cleared, praise God! The doctor said that he is just fine to travel. Praise belongs to God for His healing hand, and for showing us His strength in this trial. We are learning patience and more than anything to trust in the Lord for all things.
Another wonderful blessing was getting to spend time with some brothers and sisters in Christ these last few days. Now that Samuel is feeling better, we are able to have more times of fellowship that we missed so much the last few weeks. We were blessed to meet with the Dodge family and Valerie Lecher yesterday afternoon. Getting to know Valerie and her children was a blessing that proved to show us God's leading power in the lives of His people. After saying goodbye, Valerie returned saying that she felt that God wanted her to give us something. Valerie blessed us with a gift of a pen-and-ink drawing(created by her husband) that has proved to be a blessed reminder of the Holy Spirit's voice speaking to our hearts.
The drawing is beautiful and I could not adequately describe it. The drawing had this passage from Jeremiah under it, and quite impressively put to life these words. "Jeremiah 17: 7,8 "Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit."
As we were driving home, I was talking to a dear brother about God's provision for those who seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. Our family has seen troubled times. We have had some serious issues with our health, vehicle problems, and sometimes finances get tight. We have learned to put all things before the Lord, trusting His provision and His promises. As I tried to encourage my dear brother, I mentioned the gift of this artistic piece. I had not seen the Scripture yet, but Sara described the picture to me. As Sara read the verses, a renewed sense of awe for the Lord filled my soul with worship for our loving Lord. Jehovah Jireh is not only the provider of our physical and material needs, but our spiritual needs.
Hearing God's Words through Jeremiah, a prophet so many years ago, I saw the timeless truth of the Lord. One does not have to think terribly long and hard to see that this passage was determined by the Lord to prove His faithfulness. "...does not fear when heat comes...is not anxious in the year of drought..." ,these words just jumped off the page, and as I considered them again this morning, I was brought to tears as I recalled all the times God has proven Himself and the promises of this passage. We have no need to doubt or fear, no matter what drought is perceived. God still owns the cattle on a thousand hills, and is not slack concerning His promises.
With examples of men of faith such as Hudson Taylor and George Muller, we have seen the miraculous timing of God's provision, and our own lives bear many testimonies of God's promises fulfilled. Matthew 6:33 and many other verses have been proven true as we trust the Lord to take care of us in all things. What an incredible reminder of the unity we have in Christ. What a testimony to the Holy Spirit's edifying work, and the glory of our great and mighty God.
We had supper with the Stanleys tonight, and were encouraged to hear about God's work in their lives to equip them in His work. We are reminded again that though we don't attend the same church meeting, we are brothers and sisters, unified in allegiance to Christ. As they wait and prepare to serve the Lord overseas, it is plain to see the Lord molding them more to the image of His Son. In the meantime, they continue to serve at a local Baptist church and work with teens in their community. Tonight was a blessing, and of course Crystal's white chicken chili made it that much more enjoyable.
Looking ahead, we know that our plans are not always going to turn out as we think. We know from experience that, as the Lord wills, we must be willing to follow wherever the Spirit leads. So, as always, we make our plans and continue to seek the timing and placement that God gives as the Holy Spirit speaks to our hearts. That being said, here is "our plan" for travel.
I spoke to John Stultz from Spring Hill Gospel Hall in Westbrook, Maine. We finalized plans to gather with the saints there this Sunday, March 21. I will be sharing during the family Bible hour, and am excited to meet once again with the saints there. March 28 I plan to be teaching at Bluegrass Bible Fellowship in Richmond, Kentucky. Please be praying that we continue to seek the Lord's will in all these plans, and that we learn day by day to rely on ourselves and keep the focus where it belongs, with all glory to God. Thank you for your continued prayers as we travel. We want to be praying for you, too, so please send requests if you would like us to be praying for you.
Grace and peace to you all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ,
Mark for the Cowperthwaites
