In the post published March 3rd, 2019 titled “Clarity given, but faith needed to receive” I shared the story of how our family had planned to serve in Kenya with Goya Ministries. It turned out that our plans weren’t quite what God had in mind.
While we weren’t able to join that trip, we were able to start a relationship with the team who did go. Two of those team members, Roxanna “Roxy” Parker and Wendy Roberts recently stayed with us for a few days at our home in Florence, Italy.
The time spent with these two ladies was a tremendous blessing for our entire family. They cut and styled Amy’s hair, toured Tuscany with us, prayed with and for us, worshiped with us as we attended Eastview online, brought laughter and fulfilling conversation into our home, gave lots of love and attention to our boys who were delighted to have some “America” close by, and most importantly they filled Amy’s “spiritual jar” to the top and provided her with some much-needed girl time.
Our readers can now also benefit from their visit!
When I asked Roxy for some thoughts on today’s reading which is Mark 7:24-30, she promptly responded with words far more powerful than I could ever write. The Holy Spirit is definitely at work here. Thanks Roxy for sharing and for your obedience to His calling!
Here are Roxy’s words, unedited:
From what I understand of Jesus, I think he may have been trying to test the woman. To remind her of where the world says her place was in society (“get in line, others come first”) and yet she answered back to remind him that even Jesus should know that the very least among us are still seen and are provided for by the Lord (* even the very dogs get the first fruits from the children that eat first in line) The verses share that he was impressed. I find it interesting that she impressed him. Why? Was it her recognition/self awareness of who she is? Or was it her faith? She states that there may be others that come first but the ones last are still fed, simultaneously, under the table of those who are being served first.
This story encourages me that when I feel small and insignificant, I can still remember that the Lord will provide for me exactly what I need even in the midst of what looks like a provision for someone else. Can I have that kind of faith?
To be confident in Jesus to supply my need (even if only a small crumb) instead of looking at how he is giving even more to someone else? I think that Jesus was impressed because she believed that even a crumb from Him would change her life forever. No need for a large helping or a first scoop.
What a challenge to humble myself and have faith like that when I’m tired, hungry or my self-worth looks a lot like last place instead of where I’d like it be: at the front of the line, getting recognized first. Yikes. That’s not an easy task. But I’m encouraged that in God’s economy, everyone gets a seat at the table.