One night I was all set to go off in one direction. The morning after I found out that plans were about to turn upside down. Instantly I just prayed, “Lord please provide your will.” In fact all day long I prayed this…
That afternoon, the song, The lion and the Lamb, had been on a continuous loop in my mind. As I sat down later on, guitar in hand, I got through the first verse and then my phone rang. One of the supervisors from BMS phoned me to let me know that due to lack of applicants and team members, they were dropping Delhi as a location and that they wanted to place me else where – Africa.
Africa. My heart sank. Delhi was my number one choice. I’d had my heart set on India. How could this even be? As we chatted Tabi explained who I’d be placed with and reassured me that the projects I’d be involved in were to be very similar. Instantly I could see God encouraging me through her although it still felt disappointing.
Tabi gave me some more encouragement and then hung up, giving me a few days to think about accepting the Africa placement.
I went straight back to my guitar and finished playing the Lion and the Lamb – now the lyrics felt even more relevant and I just kept running to God. The bridge particularly hit me: “who can stop the Lord Almighty?!”
Who am I? Who am I to challenge God’s plan? Who am I to question why this has happened? Who am I to think that I cannot serve in Africa as much as I would have in Delhi?! All of these things are step by step pointing me towards his plan – that which is immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine! All we can ask!
Perhaps Africa will be greater? I mean after all – it’s Africa!
All I know is this: after coming so far in this process it would not be wise to say no to this change of location. From day one we were told, “working with BMS is about being flexible to changes of human plans and following God’s plan.”
After reading a little about the location in Africa and chatting with my Dad I have been humbled to think that actually, God is using me for his greater good. Similar to Delhi I will be teaching English in schools, playing football, and using drama skills. I will also be involved with carpenters and maintenance which may sound dangerous but after all, I may need the experience if I’m to go on to study architecture. Finally, French. French. The subject I disliked the most in school…
Isn’t it ironic how God wants to use the language that I struggled with?! I always though I’d be speaking Spanish wherever I ended up – but here we are in need of a little extra French tuition!
As I continue to seek God in this time of unknown I am so humbled to trust him. It’s fearful. It’s a little disappointing. But one day I’ll look back on this time, incredibly thankful for God’s intervention, allowing me to follow the very best plan!
Who can stop the Lord almighty?
I for sure will not !
Eleanor ♥
P.S I realise Africa is a large country but I’m not sure how much I can disclose about the new location sorry! However if you would like to make a donation / receive more information then do not hesitate to contact me!
Credit to my brother Jonathan for this brilliant photograph!
