Sweet Words...

Have you ever noticed how God is the ultimate sweet talker? He gives you just what you need...just when you need it. Every word that flows from His mouth to your heart is like stepping into a bakery shop and smelling that sweet aroma of all the goodies. Can't you just smell it?

This past week in particular...God certainly gave me some "goodies" while we were in Holland saying our goodbyes to family and our home church. It was such a unique time to have both our parents and extended families together on the same continent!

We had the privilege of sharing with the church about God's leading us to the States. We also took the time to acknowledge and thank our home front committee on stage.

It was an emotional time...and once our team leader started the tears rolling...I don't think we saw one dry eye in that church. It was just a real precious time.

As we stood there...reviewing our life in missions like a flash of a movie reel in our minds...we both felt so heavy...so sad...but also so excited because we know that God has a good plan for us in the States. There were many mixed emotions we were struggling to understand fully.

Just when it was too much to take...the Elder came up to pray over us. Before praying he handed me a small note that said "voor Jacco en Mary Oldenkamp" (for Jacco and Mary O). Then he began to read what was written on that note.

The LORD bless you and keep you;

The LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;

The Lord turn his face towards you and give you peace.

-Numbers 6:24-26

Now you may say...well that's a nice verse and stop there. But let me tell you...that was the PERFECT verse...one that God knew would touch my heart! Why you may ask? Well...that very verse...was the same one that God gave me when I first went into missions.

We felt it was very appropriate...no PERFECT...that He would give us that same verse as we are leaving this mission and heading to our next.

God is so cool like that...the Dutch word that describes it is "Prima"...excellent. He uses His sweet words...the Bible... to speak over us...to give us peace....to allow us to know that He cares. It just so blessed us.

I now have the note on a special place on our mantle...to remind me of the intimate relationship we have together. I know that no matter what is going on in my life...I can trust Him...He is reminding me by His sweet words!

Application:

You may be in a similar situation...where your world seems upside down. Maybe you have had something unexpected to come into your life and are wondering if God has forgotten you down here. Take heart...remember that God is always watching and taking care of you. There is not one thing He doesn't know about...and there is no situation that He can't handle. TRUST in Him...get into your Bible and ask Him to reveal to you what you need to hear. And then wait for those "sweet words" to coming flooding over you. They will!