Global GospelSample

The God Who Goes Before Us

BY RENÉE HALE

Eagerly peering out of the airplane window, I saw the Sahara Desert stretched out far below. Huge sand dunes appeared as small ripples. Just looking at it made me feel physically hot. Lord, where are you taking me? Lord, am I ready for this?

On that sub-Saharan day, the heat hit me hard as I descended the wobbly metal stairs from the airplane onto the tarmac. We had finally finished language school and arrived in our country of ministry. My husband and I and our two young sons ventured to our new home in the rural interior of a small West African country. No water, no electricity. We were prepared for the living conditions, but it was difficult. Sickness ensued. In weariness, we sought the Lord in his Word. His voice was clear and compelling, reminding us of our calling: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20).

We were strangers, and the community welcomed us with generous hospitality. In their kindness, we saw God’s care for us in tangible ways. Thank you, Jesus, for preparing the way!

We invited our new neighbors to our front porch to get to know each other. Our new friends were excited to hear how we ended up in this remote place—that we had been called by God! Their enthusiasm for knowing more about Jesus led to impromptu singing together. God had been at work long before we arrived, orchestrating the way for all of us to grow in the Lord as we shared life together for the next nine years: church planting, music ministry, the joys and challenges of raising children, and facing grave illnesses.

There were tender moments of sharing joy in the Lord, mixed with the sadness of losing loved ones. After a few years, our dear next-door neighbor testified as she was about to pass away, “If I die, it is okay because now I know Jesus. If I survive, it is okay because I will be living for him.” Thank you, Jesus, for faithful disciples!

I marveled at the Lord’s constant care for our every need, often revealed through our neighbors’ presence, encouragement, and friendship. God’s love was poured out abundantly through these relationships, sustaining us in both joy and sorrow. The second stanza of the hymn “How Firm a Foundation” (Robert Keene), sung at our wedding years earlier, encouraged us:

Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,
for I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;
I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.

Thank you, Jesus, for being with us always!

Reflection Question

What fears, doubts, or difficulties in your context are moving you toward a deeper relationship with Jesus as he leads you in obedience to go and make disciples?

Prayer

Lord God, help me to believe with all my heart that the firm foundation of your Word will sustain me as I live into obedience to your Great Commission. In moments of doubt, fear, and difficulty, I pray for strength to stand strong in your Word, trust your omnipotent hand, welcome your sanctification, and receive your love and grace. May I live reflecting you. Amen.