The Comforter: Objections and Answers (Pt 1)

God promises to comfort us in our times of trouble.  (2 Cor 1:3-4)  As I considered the awesome opportunity to serve Him, my soul was troubled by the sacrifices and challenges I would face. 

First and foremost, what about Peg and the kids?  This was, by far, the hardest challenge.  The Bible teaches us to be willing to leave our earthly family in His service.  We're not actually commanded to leave.  But the point made is that our Lord takes priority.  As I delved further, I realized that this wasn't an either/or choice (luckily!).  In fact, my responsibilities as a father would also lead me to heed the call.  One of our favorite nighttime songs recently is by Philips, Craig, and Dean, "I Want To Be Like You, Because He Wants To Be Like Me."  I pray that Luke and Bella, if they don't now, will understand that I sacrifice not them but for them.

However, any sacrifice I might make cannot compare to what Peggy would face.  Though it will be hard on her to care for Luke and Bella during the three weeks of my absence, that's not where it's hardest.  Harder will be worrying about me without a means of contact (we've never gone a day without at least talking since we've met).  Perhaps hardest will be wondering about her role in His service.  What I've told her and truly believe is that this is OUR opportunity to serve.  Without her, I wouldn't be going.  To all of our dear friends and family, this applies to you as well.  Without your comfort and support, we would not feel empowered to minister to others.

So in the end, family became a reason to go rather than a reason to resist.

P.S. Valentine's passed as I pondered and struggled with this decision.  In my card to Peg, I mentioned how she lifts me up.  When I hung up the phone with Gary, the friend who'd invited me, and told Peggy about the opportunity, I looked at her reaction.  She looked excited.  I wondered, "Could that be right?  Shouldn't she be worried?"  In fact, she said she was surprised that I would even hesitate.  Apparently, she has more faith in my faith than me.  I walk taller because of her love.