When on missions trips in other countries you cannot live on assumptions that things are going to go as you've become accustomed at home. You need to take the time and thought to become culturally relevant to this new country. For example, people in some countries will show up hours late to appointments, and spend the entire day with you.
The same can be true when dealing not with different countries, but different understandings. God's understanding is far greater than mine, and I assume too often that God's plan for my day is as I would have made it, without planning or consulting his knowledge. Or, I'll go to a party assuming people I wanted to meet would be there. Or, I'll assume that when new contacts show an interest, they know they've been invited to look into the ministry and God's will for their involvement. I had one guy call me not knowing why his friend had encouraged him to do so. Good thing that time I didn't assume that he'd been told about the ministry.
Just today I realized that I had been waiting on meeting a pastor who wasn't in a position to help me. Although the head pastor had directed me to him, there were misunderstandings somewhere - I had to go through the mission's board instead. Thing is, with my desire to meet him through a friend, and not just show up randomly, I had waited months to make this connection. Now, praise God, assumptions have been shattered and I need to speak with the head of the mission's board. Oh Lord, open my eyes so I can see clearly in all situations!
Growing, refining, having my branches pruned so that I might be even more fruitful (John 15:2).
To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father - to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen. - Revelation 1:5b-6.
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