Have you ever been taken by surprise?
My family and I just returned from a 10-day visit to my beautiful country of origin, Guatemala. We had such an incredible time! We attended my baby brother’s wedding, spent time with friends and family, and got to eat lots of amazingly delicious meals.
Jealous? Read on…
One week before we left, my mom asked if I would be willing to speak at her Women’s Bible Study. Though at the time I felt overwhelmed with work and the trip’s preparations, I agreed to consider her request. Later I remembered I still had my notes from a teaching I had done last year on the subject of Joy.
So I packed my clothes, my notes and my courage and I left with my family for Guatemala.
From the moment my feet stepped inside the plane, God’s peace filled my heart to overflow. My usually neurotic, hyperventilated self was quite tamer, and I found it easier to relax and enjoy all the happiness (and great food!) our visit had to offer.
Wednesday night, the night before my teaching, Evy, the Ministry’s Director called me on the phone to pray for next day’s event. She felt led to share the following Scripture with me, which touched and encouraged me deeply:
Isaiah 40:31, But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Thursday’s event went great. I was calm, cool and collected – you girls would’ve been so proud! (I know my mom was.) Afterward, during ministry time, the Holy Spirit moved mightily, vividly touching women’s hearts. I stood in awe, thrilled to see God at work, knowing this had NOTHING to do with me. It was all Him.
Keep reading girls; there’s more…
So, we were all done with the meeting, hugging and kissing good-bye like the good Latinos we are, when the Ministry’s Director comes to me and tells me she and her husband conduct this Saturday morning radio program and asks me (ME!!!) if I want to be their guest at the program this coming Saturday.
“The microphone will be all yours, Ana,” Evy said easily with a smile, as if being on radio is the as normal as chewing on a tortilla.
Those of you who know me well can attest to the fact that I’m a microphone lover but not the bravest gal in town. So you can only imagine how tempting, yet scary that invitation was. I decided to kick fear in the rear, since it rhymes and I love poetry as much as I love the limelight, and I accepted Evy’s invite. Oh, what an incredible experience that was!
On Sunday, My brother’s wedding ceremony was lovely, very emotional and FUN! I danced so much, my left hip is still sore (Ron and I need to get out more often). Even the plane ride back to Arizona was pleasant! As we drove home from the airport, I shook my head, perplexed by everything that took place during our vacation.
The deal is, the last couple of years had been REALLY hard for my family and me. We’ve faced lots of changes, in many areas. And change is seldom easy or pleasant. For the longest time, I asked the Lord to give me a break. And then, out of the blue, He dumps this BLESSING on my lap and—even better—I am able to enjoy it!
I am truly in awe of God’s goodness and faithfulness, and I feel renewed and encouraged to keep praying and believing. He does hear my heart’s cry… and yours.
I love it! Kick fear in the rear!!