God is GOOD today, yesterday, and forever!

Chris: Praise the Lord for HE is good. Even when we don't understand why He does the things He does, HE IS STILL GOOD. As you may already known, there were 3 bombings in the capital city of Uganda which killed about 70 people and injured 80 more. The bombers detonated their bombs during the World Cup and targeted areas where expatriates were known to frequent. This has caused quite a panic in the main city as well as stirred up quite a lot of emotions in me since I have plans of going on a missions trip to this city in just 2 weeks time.

Here are just a few things that I've been thinking about:

First of all, my heart goes out to those who died. I pray that many of those people knew God and that I would see them in Heaven one day. I also pray for comfort for their family members and that some how through all of this God would be glorified.

Secondly, I pray that God would continue to break my heart for those who do not know Him and that it wouldn't just take a bombing to some place I might be going to for me to pray and seek out the lost. I pray that I would view people of this world as God does.

Thirdly, I pray for wisdom and discernment about what I should do regarding my trip to Uganda in 2 weeks. The leaders of my trip have already sent out an email which in summary says that they have been in contact with the missionaries and the missionaries are safe. The missionaries also believe that it is a singular incident and that the activities and the location of these activities would not be dangerous. The leaders have also been in consultation with the missions director from my church, as well as, the elder board and they are all praying for wisdom in this manner. They ended the email by mentioning that we had the opportunity to opt out of going if we felt that we wanted to.

So, here are just some of my thoughts.... When is it right to live by faith and go and when is it more wise to wait and go another time. I struggle with this as I think about the value of my life. It is a real reality that something might happen to me if I were to go, am so I ponder.. am I ready to give up my life for Christ. How would this affect my family and others that love me? Am I purposely walking into danger without thoughtful consideration? Since I've been in Costa Rica, I've really been struck by just how much God loves people. The morning messages by the missionary have all been about God's pursuit of us and how much He was willing to sacrifice in His love for us.. "The parable of the lost Son," The parable of the Lost Coin", " The parable of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl." Reading through these parables have really made that fact sink in more than it has ever before. And yet again, I am humbled and on my knees thanking God that it was never about what I have done or could do but ALL about what He has done for me. My continued prayer is to live in that reality and to tell others about it.

And so I ask for you to pray for me, for wisdom and discernment about what to do. I had a chance to talk to my parents earlier tonight and they gave me a lot to chew on. I have plans to spend tomorrow in quiet meditation and hope that God gives me a sense of peace which ever way he leads.

Thank you in advance for all your concern and prayers.
God is GOOD today, yesterday, and forever!

Love,
Chris