a tool in His hands!

One of the amazing books I had the privilege of digging into this week was Hebrews.  It's incredible!  Chapter 11 really captured me this time around and I highly recommend you read it!  'Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.' [vs.1]  The writer can't list all the incredibly faithful role-models throughout history, but the ones he does mention are certainly inspirational.  Noah, Abraham, Moses, Rahab, David.. the list could go on and on!  These people staked their lives on the promise of what they could not see!  They 'bet it all', with confidence, even when their actions resulted in them being labeled irresponsible and quite possibly insane!  Noah certainly made a statement by building the ark and loading it full of animals!  Abraham ventured into lands unknown.  He also became a daddy even though he was 'as good as dead' [vs. 12] and, when told to make an extreme sacrifice, acted with obedience and trust in the One who gave him that son.  Moses traded the treasures and pleasures of Egypt for disgrace and mistreatment, persevering for a reward that would surpass them all!  These stories blow my mind!!  Their courage and drive is commendable, but far beyond that is their expectation for what was to come.  They lived with the confidence of those who already know the end of the story and their actions shaped history!  Hebrews 11:13 tells us that they were still living by faith when they died, they didn't see all the promises come to pass but 'welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth.'

I love seeing how God used these people.  They are heroes of the Bible but they're no different than you and I; people struggling with their fears and limitations.  Hebrews 11:34 says that their weaknesses were TURNED to strength!!  God gives us all opportunities to be involved in His story; to make a difference.  These people rose to the challenge, confident in the promises of God!  They stepped out in faith and embraced lifestyles that seemed unreasonable, risky or even impossible!!  Sacrifice, ridicule and hardship accompanied them, but they were among those who had 'counted the cost' of serving Jesus.  These people knew that the temporary satisfaction this world offers does not begin to compare to the riches of Jesus Christ!!

I suppose this knowledge is nothing new but, once again, God has allowed me to read it with 'new eyes' and the discovery is breathtaking!  I've been called to something great; my mission is to share the good news of God's grace!  It doesn't matter where I am or what my occupation is, as long as I am willing and surrendered, God WILL use me!  This knowledge gives new inspiration to every day tasks and new meaning to casual conversations.  Knowing that God used a shepherd boy, a prostitute, tax-collectors, and fishermen means that He can and most certainly IS using me!  I was unsure of what to blog about today because we had a fairly 'average' week.  Grabbing hold of the fact that I'm a tool in the hand of the Almighty God, however, makes me re-think whether anything is truly 'average'!  

[Derek & I at Green Sands!]

Having different options for what we'll do each day has been a pleasant change.  Our newest decision making method for what to tackle next is best out of five in rock-paper-scissors!  Only problem is that Derek takes this game to a whole new level, which really shouldn't surprise me, and I've only managed to beat him once!  This means we usually give him the better of the two working options, knowing that's most likely what we'll end up doing :)  We've really started praying for our fields and for an abundant harvest.  It seemed silly at first, but God is truly in charge of EVERYTHING and that includes whether plants grow or not; whether rain comes or not!  We're standing on His promises and know that He will make a way for us to stay here if that's His will, otherwise He has something even better for us!  It's amazing to see new growth on trees that our neighbors said would never grow back!  Turns out, we know the Creator and Sustainer of all LIFE!  

(coffee trees in bloom = Kona snow!)

Our first bonfire was a smashing success!  We've decided to make a habit of delicious s'mores (made with the jumbo marshmallows!), singing to the ukulele music and talking stories with friends!  The church family here continues to amaze us and getting to know people on a deeper level is wonderful!  This weekend the men had breakfast and Bible study together before a work day at the church.  The ladies also had a wonderful brunch and time of fellowship, but we didn't exactly take on any demolition projects :)  Speaking of ohana (family), we've added another member to ours!  His name is Kai and he's a three month old border collie, heeler, Australian kelpie, lab conglomeration :)  He's very smart and we're excited to have him around the farm as well as accompanying me on my jungle runs! 

(after his first swim in the ocean :)

Kai wasn't much help upon our discovery of a ginormous spider this weekend!  Good thing Derek keeps a long bamboo pole on hand and we didn't have to get within four feet of it!  Also, I had my second centipede run-in while picking green beans from our garden!  Thankfully, I've developed nerves of steel by now and didn't even feel the need to freak out!  (Derek doesn't appreciate gasping or screaming unless it's life or death... and he feels like my definition of 'life or death' is occasionally exaggerated!)  

What a journey we are on!!  Thank you for accompanying me through the struggles, victories and day-to-day happenings.  God is walking with us and it's only through Him that we are succeeding.  I've been greatly encouraged by Hebrews and would challenge you to let God live out His plan through you.  Step out in faith even when it seems absurd and, above all, hold fast to the hope founded in Jesus Christ and the promise of eternity with Him!!