Stimulated by Wendell Martins book GO NOW: From the Innermost Parts of the Heart To the Uttermost Parts of the World
No question, Loretta & I certainly struggled with transitioning to Panama. Coming here was quite contrary to everything we’d worked for since remodeling our home in ’93, that being the first step in a three decade plan of acquisition for a family compound with two lots and two homes for three sons. In hindsight, no doubt it was rather preposterous selfish thinking on our part, that our offspringwould ever settle there!
After our son Ben and wife Jill retired to Panama, they spoke of the countries advantages for our health and well-being encouraging us to join them and to try it for several winters. And now since we’re here with a 2-year lease, Loretta & I realize now how much we did, and really are, still “winging it” while on this latest adventure.
Therefore, as I also recall accounts told me by other persons & couples of their encountered struggles seeking God’s guidance, and then read of Wendell’s continuing struggle of serving God while being taunted with slaying the giant of COMPROMISE, I’m compelled to share with you his words how God intervened for him. He said on page 137,
“there was no logical way I could ever escape the powerful grip COMPROMISE held on my life in order to align myself with the unknown destiny God was inviting me into. I had debts that had to be paid. This meant, I needed to stay within systems of employment. There was the new house, the new car, my career, my wife, and our baby, and we’d just found out Daisy was pregnant again! Everything seemed so completely tangled up! Thinking just made my tired head hurt.”
Early one morning after a sleepless night, a long-forgotten Bible verse, came to me, “Without faith, you can’t please God.” In frustration, I turned my attention from my tangled mess of thoughts to explore this simple dancing truth through my mind. As I did, words began to form that seemed to come from God, “Wendell, I’ve brought you to this place. You did not arrive here by accident. You know, I’ve always been with you, even though you didn’t always feel it. Now, if you’re ready, I have a very important lesson for you to learn.”
This moment reminded me of another time God had come to visit me. Again, it was intimate and real! Full of hope and anticipation, I eagerly responded, “Yes, I’m ready.” After which I heard, “You can only take down this giant by faith: faith in me and faith in my love for you and my good intentions for your life. So let me handle this for you. It is too big for you. Are you willing to take this dare?”
Truth came into my heart and mind like a healing balm. Here was the answer. Trust God! He had a plan, and I simply needed to honor Him by trusting Him, no questions asked. I remembered the warts at age ten and the miracles later in the Philippine jungles. Why had I forgotten those valuable lessons? Simply trust God and wait for Him to reveal my next move. Then do whatever He tells me, no matter how illogical it might seem from a rational perspective, like David, who stepped onto a battlefield, vulnerable, no protective armor, to face the giant Goliath, with an empty slingshot and a heart full of faith that God Himself was right there with Him. At that moment, I relaxed in surrender to His love. It was a deliberate choice. Yes, He loves me.
Before drifting off to sleep that night, God had already given me the idea for the next step. I would fast as an act of faith. No food until God shows me the step! This seemed an unreasonable way to enter into a fight, and better judgement immediately mocked the idea.
“Do you really think God will respond because you are voluntarily going hungry? Are you trying to force His hand? Silly boy!” Logic taunted.
I countered, “I’m already spiritually starving. I’ve felt for a long time like I’m dying. At least by fasting, maybe I’ll find out how serious I really am about confronting this giant of COMPROMISE. Maybe I’ll discover how strong a grip he has on me.
To Be Continued.