“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair…”
2 Corinthians 4:8
There are times in life and moments in ministry when Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 4:8 are a fitting description. This week, Phil and I found ourselves in just this tension. I tested positive for gestational diabetes which poses some legitimate potential challenges for the baby and myself. The good news is, we’ve been following the doctor’s orders long before the diagnoses: healthy diet and plenty of exercise. None the less, it is a sobering responsibility as the mother of an unborn baby to more closely monitor the way my small choices may affect his little life. For love’s sake, it is not a burden. Four times a day I have to stick my finger with a needle to monitor and record my blood sugar level. I must count my carbohydrate intake and eat more protein throughout the day. And, I must be diligent in my daily workouts. Moreover, I must trust my God with the “worst case scenarios” and the statistics that would give any parent an unsettled feeling. It is the spiritual breathing pattern of exhaling the fears and unknowns and inhaling the peace that surpasses understanding. In and out, in and out, all day long.
At the same time, we are taking great strides to prepare for our next steps as missionary aviators. We have applied to take a technical evaluation and hope to land a slot in September. In his technical evaluation Phil will need to demonstrate his abilities as a pilot and a mechanic. In addition to his schooling, Phil is preparing for this evaluation by building his flight hours. Phil is currently instructing an instrument pilot and flies with him twice a week. Additionally, Phil will instruct a young man working to obtain his Certified Flight Instructor rating. Once these two students are “signed off” Phil will continue logging hours in a tailwheel aircraft and work to obtain his tailwheel endorsement. During our technical evaluation in September (Lord willing) Phil will need to demonstrate proficiency in a large tailwheel aircraft which is why we are choosing to invest time, energy, and finances into this endeavor. The technical evaluation is rigorous but more so, we train hard because God deserves our best. We take this responsibility seriously.
At the end of 2 Corinthians 4 Paul concludes his thought by saying, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” Phil and I have asked the Lord to allow us the privilege of knowing Him and serving Him. We know that every hurdle and challenge we face has first been filtered through the loving hands of Christ. It is a solid rock upon which we, and each of you, may choose to stand. Let us pray diligently for one another and truly spur one another on toward love (His love) and good deeds. You are our family and we love you.
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