Great is His Faithfulness

 “ And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.”

                   -Philippians 4:15-20

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”

                             -Ephesians 3:20-21

        When we first endeavored on this journey of applying to Medical School for International Health, I couldn’t help but cringe at the thought of how much it would cost. I must admit, shamefully, that my eyes for that moment shifted from the faithful, all-sufficient, providing, sovereign, one true living God, to the circumstances that were surrounding us. I was kindly and gently rebuked, and praise the Lord greatly for His kindness which leads us to repentance. Praise Him that He does not allow us to find rest in our disobedience. In spite of my faithlessness, however, God has remained faithful. He cannot deny Himself. When I think about how He has provided for us to go to medical school, I get weepy. We have prayed (me, not as faithfully as I should) He would make provision and equip us for whatever it is He calls us to. That, He has. He truly has given us more than we ever could have asked or imagined. We must first and foremost remember that He has met our greatest need in Christ. When I consider that, suddenly all other needs pale in comparison. He has adopted us into His family as His own children, He has given us His Word, His Spirit, His grace, His mercy….and so much more. Truly “more than we could ask or think.”

       Now, as for this medical school journey we are about to embark on, come July… We are thankful for parents whom the Lord has used to provide for us thus far and have been able to have both graduated undergrad without any student loans. We are thankful for the faithful, obedient, and gracious friends and family the Lord has given us who have invested so much in us…whether through their finances, their time, their wisdom and knowledge…He has lavished His grace upon us in them. We pray that we would be conduits of that grace. I am terrified at the thought that so much has been invested, we want to be faithful. We feel unworthy of the gifts that we have been given, because we are unworthy. However, we know our confidence isn’t in our worthiness, but in the only One who is, Christ. We can only be faithful because He is faithful. Please pray that we will be found faithful. Please pray that we can echo Paul’s words to the Philippians, “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:11-13  

On an unrelated note, we are going to be an aunt and uncle again…congrats Tim and Joyce!! We are so excited to welcome a second baby Douthit!

May our lives and yours be to the praise of His glory!

          ^“ For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God."    2 Corinthians 4:15