If this be so...

"if this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, o king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up." Daniel 3:17,18

"but if not..." that is the heart I desperately long to have and the heart I believe God is growing in me. The heart that says, "whether you answer according to my heart's desire or not...I will praise You and only You Lord."

I could almost hear Satan saying to the Lord,"sure they love and praise you now, but what if you take away everything you've given? Will they praise and honor you then?" and the lord's reply,"go ahead and test my servant." ...or maybe it was simply God's protection from things which we may never realize...whatever the case I trust the good purposes of my faithful God. Our hearts have been tested and no doubt we have received God's protection as we have since the beginning.

I could never claim the faithfulness of Job, or the steadfastness of Daniel... but I am hopeful as I see God burning off the dross and drawing my heart ever deeper into His.

Well, I received my passport today and we have a flight booked for Wednesday. I am really thankful for all God has done, the seen and unseen...

I am so thankful for all my friends and family who have overwhelmed with their encouragement and prayers...thank you

I hope my next update will be from Cambodia :)