God-Prepared Works

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).

Deep in our spirits, we believe this.  We are convinced that God has numbered our days, that He has prepared good works for each of those days, and that the way those works unfold is one obedient step at a time.

Just six months ago (blog post 1-28-13), I wrote that Doc and I had decided to lead a short-term team of intercessors to France. Now we’ve returned from that two-week trip.  We were showing our pictures to family, just trying to hit the highlights, and I wondered—did we make this trip sound like an indulgent vacation, or did they catch the sense of God’s works through us?  Truly, every place we visited, as “tourists” or “missionaries,” the Lord called us to prayer.

Many with whom we’ve shared our mission have rightly questioned, “Can’t you pray from here?” (meaning the U.S.)  “Aren’t the workers in France already praying?”  And the answer to both is a resounding “Yes!”

Our mysterious, unfathomably wise God is often unexplainable.  His plans strike us mortals as indefensible at times.  Those who know Doc and me well know that we shudder at presumption—the thought that we’re blaming God for a plan we really set in motion ourselves.  So we’ve asked Him these same questions several times over, humbly requesting that He expose any presumption or misunderstanding on our part.  Though “when” and “how” are still foggy, the “what” has come through strong.  We are to move permanently to France.

Lest you think the word “foggy” is a pun on Doc’s current eyesight, please read “Questions,” from April on this same blog.

What am I trying to say?  God used our recent short-term trip to affirm our call—BIG TIME.

Enter Francois. This French Christian brother has been praying for and serving the Lord in Aix les Bains for many years.  An electrician by trade, he has established many positive contacts in his region.  God has granted Francois unprecedented favor as he prays at the local hospital, where the norm is to restrict access to Christians and call in mediums and witch doctors when a patient requests spiritual help.

Sitting around his dining table, sharing sparkling water in the sticky heat, we heard the Lord’s heart through this man.  An American pastor, who’s served in France for 35 years, translated:  “I’ve been praying for a church in Aix for many years,” Francois told us.  As he described his fruitful evangelistic efforts, and the deep need for workers in the harvest in France, his eyes filled with tears.  “You are an answer to my prayers,” he said to the members of our team.

The French Christians have been nervous to present the plans for a church plant in Aix, knowing the mayor’s decisions and involvement are critical for credibility and success.  Francois joyfully recounted the favor God had recently granted through the Aix les Bains mayor.  We’d heard the story earlier in the week. When we shared through our translator that Doc and I and other U.S. prayer team members pray daily for local government authorities across France, he was so touched he could barely speak.  He and Doc put their fists to their chests, a sign of brotherhood to each other.

Time flew as God encouraged us through one another.  No one wanted to leave, though we had scheduled other meetings. In France you start talking about going half an hour before you head for the door.  To leave without that time lapse is impolite. As we rose to leave, our hearts ached, wondering when we might see each other next. Francois and his lovely wife stood in the front yard, waving their goodbyes and deep appreciation.  We praise God for the confirmation He gave through Francois and for these holy moments together.