If you were at the banquet or any meeting we have been at since, you are aware that we set several goals for the next 3 years. In 2018 we will celebrate 50 years that my family has been in Kenya. I felt that God challenged me as to what would we like to see accomplished by that significant milestone. Almost immediately three things became the focus; finish building the next dormitory, build a library and media building and have collegiate level pastoral studies available at CMM. I was overwhelmed with the prospect with this part of our vision happening as well as overwhelmed at what this would cost and require. However, after prayer, discussions, sharing, etc. we felt that God was in this.
On the Sunday after the banquet we took our team to Living Word Church in Houma, LA to share with them about 2015 and what was next. During the praise and worship time they began to sing ‘How Great Thou Art’. That was one of my Dad’s favorite songs and I began to think about him and his vision for Africa. I also started to realize again just how big our next challenge was to complete the next part of this vision. I began to pretend talk to my dad and also to Jesus that we may have stepped too far out this time. The enormity of the gap of additional funds needed was towering over my mind. To accomplish these goals we will need above and beyond our regular expenses, $500,000.00.
Then all of a sudden I sensed Jesus say, “I’ve got this!”. For the next minute Jesus took me fast forward through the Bible. I saw Moses standing at the Red Sea with the children of Israel and Pharaoh’s army behind him and Jesus saying to him, “I’ve got this”. Then I saw Joshua at the wall of Jericho and again, ‘I’ve got this”. Gideon surrounded and outnumbered 450-1, “I’ve got this”; David before Goliath, “I’ve got this”; Daniel in the lion’s den; the little boy the 5 loaves and 2 fish; the disciples at night in the boat during a storm; Peter and John shackled in prison…”I’ve got this”!! After 1 minute through the Bible, Jesus told me again, “I’ve got this”.
The next Sunday in Biloxi at Cedar Lake Christian Assembly after sharing this, a lady stopped me and said that her business had made up bracelets for people to wear and she gave me one. What did it say: “God has this!”. Then about a week later when Debbie and I returned to Texas we were driving home after shopping and noticed a new billboard sign on one of the main roads to our home. It was Jesus hand holding the world saying, “I’ve Got This”—Jesus.
Debbie had to stop and take the picture and we realized 3 times is not bad for a confirmation. I don’t know how God will do this and the gap is still enormous but I have been wearing the bracelet and continually reminding myself, “He has this”.
I wanted to share this with you as a word for the New Year as well. You may be facing some strong challenges; medical and health, financial, job related, marriage issues, family, etc. but I want you to be encouraged that Jesus is saying to you, “I’ve Got This”!!
Ronnie
Ps. After several weeks of preparations the sea container left last Saturday loaded with so many wonderful resources. It should arrive in Nairobi during the first 2 weeks of March. It has thousands of Bibles and books along with many much needed resources for CMM and churches. It will be like Christmas for many. Thanks so much to everyone that helped us get everything ready, load it and ship it. Headed back to Kenya and will be there to unload!!
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