Back in October I made a post sharing verses in Proverbs. The basic gist in those verses showed how we can make as many plans as we want, but ultimately God has the final say. It is up to us to obey when He does share plans.
There are so many plans that I had for the youth group, and so many hopes for continuing to serve at the coffee house. These Proverbs and other verses that God has laid upon my heart have shown that when He has plans laid out for us, we should go to them... even when it is hard.
In all honesty, I am very comfy at where I am at... in some ways. There are some things that I wish I could change. But for the most part, life is comfy. But sometimes God doesn't call us to be comfy. The disciples weren't called into a plush life of 9 to 5. Though Paul did do tent making for awhile. When we read through the New Testament, we see the disciples and the early church going through a gritty time of growing, learning, discovering and following. There were many good times and triumphs. But many a time we see Paul having to leave an area he wished to be at, in order to go where God was leading. Many have asked for me to stay and to continue the work that I am doing. They point out the work God is doing and saying "isn't this God's work, why leave?" Sometimes I wonder too. Then I look back at the calling God has given me.
Back in 2012, Nadine Gillespie shared Habakkuk 2:3 with me. She had been praying about just like I had about the timing on when God would have me back in Alaska. Just like Habakkuk had to wait, I did too. Now it is time to return.
There was a humbling moment during my time of prayer in which some elders in the church asked about how the teens in the youth group would handle the news of my leaving. It was a drive home from youth group that I asked one teen how they felt about my leaving. Early he let out a very sad "this sucks" after sharing the news over our weekly drum lessons. Now after a few hours in order to process his thoughts, I wanted to know what was going through his head. To paraphrase he said, "how can I be disappointed when you are following God's plan." Very mature words from a 16-year-old. But there is so much truth in his words.
There is doubt in my calling to Alaska because of what I see God doing here in Pennsylvania. The gaps that will be left when I leave might be a little hard to fill. But as God continues to lead, and as the teens and fellow believers encourage me in my calling, it makes this hard move so much easier. Continue to pray that doors be open and that people are receptive to the message presented. Pray that needs be met as the departure day come closer. Also pray for the ministry and the work ahead. Thank God for His works and what plans He has ahead. Thank Him for His leading.
Thank you for your continual prayers and support,
Grace & Peace,
Daryl J. Howard
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