Haiti Day 4: Mustard Seed by Emily Estes

10/20/2012
6:00am

"Do not remember past events, pay no attention to things of old. I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert." Isaiah 43:18-19

I am simply amazed by the words of the Bible and how relevant they are to our world today. We don't have to seek much explanation - in simple words God shared a message applicable to every generation that will walk this Earth; a message of truth and hope; a call to serve and an explanation of the manner in which we are to serve others; a message of forgiveness.

There is much in Haiti that we could be discouraged by: lack of garbage disposal, unsanitary cooking methods, personal hygiene, healthcare, displaced children, poverty, lack of education (both primary and secondary levels)... this list could go on and on. Is this not, in a way, similar to our lives? I have to wonder if we don't all have a list of things we are discouraged about in life..? How many things would we change if there was a quick fix? Tonight we were reminded of the story of a mustard seed. God didn't call us to do big wonderful things... He called us to do small things, in honor of His great name. It is not us who make good works great - God alone holds the power to turn a small work into something great.

In Isaiah, we're told to forget past events. How long will we remind ourselves and the Haitian people that an earthquake or a hurricane brought this devastation to us? Do we dwell on what brought us here or challenge ourselves to see beyond the obstacles? HTF is doing amazing things. They've embraced the fact that small changes are happening every year and are encouraged each time they return. I hope that I too get to return someday and see a measure of growth. Right now though, no matter where you or I are at in the world, we have the chance to plant seeds as small as a mustard seed. Immerse yourself in the opportunities available to you wherever you go. This week I've helped check patients into an eye clinic - it's one small part of a chain of events leading those individuals to a resource that can change their life! We may feel that are works are minuscule sometimes; please, trust that no matter how big or small the deed, you can change a life. That can be in Lincoln, NE or somewhere across the world. Listen to where God wants to take you! He has a plan far greater than any we could imagine!

God has promised us in Isaiah that He is about to do something new; even today his promise holds true! Trust His unfailing love and the great journey He is leading us on... wherever we are in life. The past does not define us, nor does it hold us back from the wonders that exist if we can move beyond it! May we carry faith, built on His solid rock, to all people we serve. And may we trust that indeed, God will make a way in the wilderness just as He will make a river in the desert. He made this promise. Our only job is to trust Him and follow Him. Will you join me on a new journey of seeking to serve God in small ways...even as small as a mustard seed?