Walking Towards the Battle
The last few weeks have sure been a whirlwind of emotions. At the week five countdown until we were to leave, I created a vlog on Facebook, stating that we still did not have the finances for our mission trip to Australia. And yet we knew what the Lord had said. We even had a friend in August of 2024 randomly send us a message stating that he had been praying for us. And the Lord had told him there would be an opportunity to present itself, and we were to say yes. Even though it would feel impossible, we were to say YES. A month later, Bruce was asked to be the assistant director of a film to bring hope to the Aborigines of Australia soon after the Lord spoke that our whole family was to go (click here).
So, with only five weeks to go and barely any finances towards our trip, I was starting to panic. And yet the Lord had said to go, so I needed to put my faith in action and trust. Then, a week later, we received devasting news when our daughter’s neurosurgeon told us the tumor in her brain had grown significantly and they needed to start making a plan right away to either start chemotherapy or surgery to debulk the tumor. We were in a whirlwind of emotions.
That night, Esperanza and I fasted dinner while we listened to worship music. Soon, the entire family was in the living room as worship music permeated our home. Some of us lay flat on the ground while others sat, paced, or stood, all with hearts sobbing as we cried out to the Lord. After much sobbing, the tides changed, and our hearts were filled with worship as we turned our sorrow into praise. The Lord had met us in our grief.
The following day, we headed to the Oncologist, who did not feel as strongly about making any decisions immediately. Instead, he thought we should do another MRI and continue to wait. With hope in our steps, we spoke with neurosurgery again and set up another MRI for March 18th.
Our family was prayed for at church the Sunday after the doctor’s report.
Now, what do we do while waiting? Various people have already rented out our home. The Lord had told us to go to the Outback to create this film, and we now have enough funds to purchase tickets. But what are we to do? What exactly does walking by faith look like in this season?
As I wrestled with these thoughts, Esperanza came into my bedroom to tell me we are going to Australia. She reminded me that God said we were to go, so we needed obedience. I looked at her and smiled, knowing she was right but also grasping the reality of the situation. And over the last several days, as our travel plans in the Outback begin to unfold, the realization that we will be a 2-3 days' drive to an airport sinks in even further. How do you walk this kind of faith out? When does human wisdom kick in?
The pull tugs at my heart. Much must be done to get our home ready to rent out. Yes, we can now purchase flights for March 24, but should we buy tickets before the doctors give us the report from the MRI on March 18? What about the $12,000 we need for a vehicle once we arrive in Australia (we currently have one reserved for a six-month hire) or the $15,000 to purchase a caravan where we will be living? Is this wise?
With hearts torn, we lean in, expecting God to show up. We are choosing to deny our flesh that is crying out for answers. Instead, every day, we are keeping our eyes fixed on the One who can unravel this story into a beautiful love story. Does this mean that it is easy? Absolutely not! My flesh twists and turns, crying out for answers, and it does not want to wait anymore. Desperate to see His beautiful story unfold while simultaneously struggling with what could become our future. Knowing that the scripture says not to doubt (James 1:6-8) but fully aware of my weak flesh in the process.
Then I remind myself of Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20. He had a massive army coming towards the tribe of Judah to destroy them. They choose to fast; then God told them to worship as they headed towards the battle line. God fought their battles as they marched and worshiped towards the battle line.
Jehosphaphat and his army were not passive. They walked towards the danger and worshipped the Living God because they trusted He would show up. Can you imagine the fear that raged inside them? They must have been trembling as they cried out with songs of thanksgiving and adoration toward the King of Kings.
Just like the people of Judah, we continue to walk toward the battle. Even though our flesh is weak and we have fallen on our face before the Lord over and over again with desperation, we are choosing to believe God. We have also continued to prepare our home to become an Airbnb; we’ve been gathering the supplies we need for the trip, and I’ve been researching different caravan options. We are choosing to trust that God will fight this battle just like He did for the people of Judah.
As you watch our story unfold, would you consider partnering with us in prayer and finances? Our journey is not meant to be walked out alone. Over the past 11 years of blogging, God has asked us to live out our faith journey publicly. This has come with a price because our struggles have been raw, and vulnerability is not easy. However, we also know our vulnerabilities have touched others as they’ve walked out their faith journeys, so we have continued to blog amid our vulnerabilities. We do this because we trust that the Living God, Yahweh, Jehova Jireh, the Mighty One, will reveal His beautiful story and will inspire faith in others to step towards their battles while trusting that God will make a way. Please join us today!
Prayer Requests
Tumor be gone.
Healing over Bruce’s sub-tailor joint and foot.
More one-time and monthly financial partners. (click here)
Favored with the Aboriginals and the ability to share God’s stories.
