The Devo that Keeps on Giving

Last night our team met, and Bethany gave the devotion. Her passage was Philippians 2:1-11. She picked that passage 3 weeks ago and thought about what she would say, but some how before last night everything escaped from her brain. So she read the verses and then challenged us to read them again. I did. The Lord used those verses to encourage me and redirect my attitude. It's the devo that keeps on giving! It's easy to think of ourselves as failures if we don't say something profound or uncover some new insight, but Bethany's obedience to God's leading has reaped its reward. She is a success in Christ, and I'm grateful she's on this team. Now I feel the need to explain something. One of our last preparation tasks was to research the history and current state of Sudan and Somalia--two countries that border Ethiopia. Why did I want our team to do this? Even a quick glance at Sudan and Somalia shows both country's great need for the gospel. Somalia has no center government to speak of; enter at your own risk. Somalia is also called the greatest humanitarian crisis on the planet right now. Sudan is controled by the heavy, judgemental arm of Islam. Neither place is safe for Christians or the innocent. But Ethiopia is stable, and the church is small, yet growing and active. Ethiopia has the potential to be a great light to Somalia and Sudan. When our team goes to Ethiopia we're not just going for Ethiopians; we go for the lost in Sudan and Somalia (even though we will not be entering those countries). I want us to see God's greater picture. It is no small thing this mission trip we're planning. Open your eyes to see what God is showing you.