“I could never do what you’re doing.”
I’ve heard these words many times. God has asked my family to do many hard things and through each situation someone says that phrase. Joining MAF and preparing for our first term overseas has been no exception to this scenario.
The Hamstra family at MAF headquarters around the time of their commencement ceremony as new MAF missionaries. They’re getting ready to serve in Papua, Indonesia.
The truth is, years ago I would have been the one saying that. I thought “Never could I ever…”
- Be a foster parent
- Adopt a special needs child
- Bury my child
- Sell all my possessions
- Parent three teenagers
I didn’t think I could make it through any of those things. When I found myself facing those situations, I didn’t walk into any of them full of confidence and pride knowing that everything would work out just as I envisioned. Rather, with each one—whether I was feeling scared, inadequate, or overcome with grief—I claimed the promise found in Hebrews 13:20-21:
“Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
(L to R) Jack, Jackson, Laila, Angie, RJ, and Emma Hamstra in 2016, six months before Laila passed away.
God is so gracious. He will never call you or me to something and then just leave us there. He stays right by our side, comforting, teaching, and equipping us one day at a time. I’ve found that it’s important for me to stay in His word and surround myself with people and resources to stay healthy and growing. I need to do my part and He is ALWAYS faithful to do His.
Now my family is getting ready to add two more things to that list:
- Leave all our friends and family
- Move overseas in full-time missions
Is it a little scary? Yes!
Is it exciting? Yes!
Is God preparing us and guiding us to this? Absolutely!
There are many things in life that I’ve been tempted to say “never could I ever” to. I’m so thankful that I haven’t let fear rule, which would have kept me from the tremendous blessings God had (and still has) in store.
I challenge you, and myself, to never say never again. Instead, let’s say, “Your will, Lord, and in Your power.”
I can’t wait to see what He has planned next!
The Hamstras ham it up in a hot air balloon. It was on the MAF campus recently to illustrate to the new MAF missionary kids that adventure awaits if they’re willing to hang on to God for the ride.