The day before we moved to Granada, our missions pastor at Brookhills sat down with us to see how we were doing. At the end of this very positive conversation, he dropped a load of negativity on us. He told us that we would probably end up really disliking the people we were called to share the gospel with and that our fellow ministry partners would disappoint us time and time again. That we would, at times question God’s calling on our lives. But to hold on, because those times would pass, and God’s calling would be clear and relationships stronger through each struggle.

I thank God at least once a week for this wisdom.  Tonight, the disappointment with our ministry partners showed it’s ugly head. Through a series of miscommunications, a difficult conversation was had, without any real resolution other than an agreement to disagree.

Frank is the type, when dealing with conflict, to get things out and not hold grudges. I, however, tend to hold on to my hurts tightly with both hands. I let them fester and affect everything I do and say. I’m learning to open myself up to God, even when I’m hurting and let his love wash out those hurts.

Part of being an adult is sticking with situations, through times of unhappiness or anger, because you’ve made a commitment. We have made a covenant with God to be here for this time. I know this is a trial that will pass, and is part of the refining process that will make me pure gold to God. It’s also a sign of true community, when you get past the surface level with people and the ugliness that is in all of us comes out. I’m not sure why God chose imperfect humans to spread the word, but he did. So I trust his judgement in choosing this team for this specific purpose. And I wait for this trial to pass.