Becoming

I (Mandy) don't know exactly how you all have been praying for us, but let me share with you a couple of things I have observed lately and you see how God is answering your prayers. It has been so excited to watch God meet all of Mike's needs and equip him to do what He has called us to. We had to move forward in our move to San Diego before we had a guarantee that our house would sell. God was confirming in numerous places his call of us to CA and we needed to start taking steps, trusting he would meet needs. It has been a similar step of faith moving into ministry. You move to seminary knowing this is the likely end and you tell everyone it is where you are headed and you have a decent sense that God is urging you, but still...you live with yourself and your spouse and you know what a mess you both are. And you look around at other wise, mature ministers of the Word and think, "We are nothing like them." And yet God continues to urge you forward. You know you are no where near where you need to be - in your heart or attitude or faith or knowledge or humility or whatever, but God continues to urge.

We still have years and years of maturing and growing to do, but it has brought me so much joy and excitement to really see God transforming Mike into a pastor. It would probably make him uncomfortable if I started listing specifics. But if you have been praying for wisdom or humility, or love for God's people or clear communication of the Gospel or excitement for ministry or teachability or retention of seminary education or perseverance through licensure...God is answering your prayers.

Don't get me wrong - he is still a stinky sinner. Just like me. We know it best about each other. But God really has met us here and is making Mike into what he has called him to be here. Thank you for your faithful prayers.