Aliens And Strangers?

Hebrews 11:13 – All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. (NIV)

One of my dearest friends left for Russia for a return mission trip. We first went to Russia on a mission trip in February of 2012; a time when God especially showed awesome faithfulness to us! One of my duties on that trip was to teach teens in the orphanage (specifically for teenagers) to make jewelry. On the day we were to go to the orphanage, I was really ill and could not go; so very hurriedly, I taught my friend how to make the jewelry so she could take my place. She wasn't at all sure about this, but she accepted the task, having faith that God would totally help her. She did a fantastic job, and the teens responded well to her. God called her to go back to this same orphanage this month to minister to the teens again. We had no idea when I suddenly got ill that God had this in His plan all along. He knew that He was calling her to go back and minister again, so she faithfully accepted the call and worked very diligently to make it back to Russia to these precious souls. She had to make a lot of sacrifices to go again, but when we have God's love in our hearts, we have to follow His leading, no matter how difficult or strange the request may seem.

As I was reading Hebrews 11 this morning, I had to laugh when I came to the part that said, "And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth." My friend and I have always teased each other that we were unusual creatures, that we don't always understand why we do what we do, and that we don't feel at home in this world. These trips to Russia are proof that God works in strange ways and with strange people. We both truly love God and want to serve Him always with all of our being, and no matter where He calls us, we want to be willing to respond, "Yes Lord!" — whether it be to go to Russia or across the street to visit a neighbour in need. What about you?

Prayer: Precious heavenly Father, we pray today that You will always lead and direct our paths, and that we will be willing to go wherever You call us. Even though we may never see the results of the things we do here on this earth, we know and have faith that there is a purpose for all the things that You call us to do. Thank You for loving us so much. May all the honour and glory go to You always. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.