One time, God spoke unmistakably clearly to me. I wish every answer would be so clear!
I was a senior in college, ready to graduate with a degree in elementary education, but not wanting to stay put and teach. I had felt the nudge from the Father a few years before to serve overseas. I then went on a short-term trip to Nigeria and fell in love with the people. I had always been drawn to Africa—I remember as early as fourth grade—and wanted to pursue serving there. After knocking on many doors, with many coming up empty, I felt the Lord open my heart to all the nations. He would be the one choosing where I would go, not me.
A few months after this new, opened heart, a longtime guy friend (whom I’d had a crush on basically our entire friendship) called me, out of the blue, from where he was living overseas. I was shocked to hear his voice, since we had only kept in touch a few times via email since he had moved abroad. (Honestly, I had a hunch something was brewing based on a few of his last emails, but I didn’t want to assume!) He was calling to ask if we could start dating. Oh, how I wish I could remember the details of that call, but who can remember anything when your heart is pounding?!
In that call, he laid out clearly that he didn’t “date around” and intended to follow this to marriage if the Lord continued to confirm it along the way. He also told me up front that he was feeling called to serve long-term where he was currently living in East Asia. While my heart was sputtering at the thought of dating the guy I’d been crushing on for years, I was less excited about his country of service. I had never been drawn to that part of the world. He knew I had served in and loved Africa, so he wanted to be sure that if we even began dating, I was on board with potentially serving in Asia.
After the call, I reflected on my heart that had recently been opened to all the nations. But I was still struggling. This country, Lord? Why this one? I had watched friend after friend move to this country to serve in various ways; it was very much the “popular” spot to go at the time. I’m not a fan of bandwagons, so the aversion to go where everyone else was going was pretty strong.
After some time in prayer, I hesitantly came around. I agreed to start dating, and we did, very long-distance—over email, text, and the occasional, expensive long-distance call.
I soon graduated from college and was wondering what I should do next. I had been discipled and mentored all four years of college and was missing such guidance now that I was on my own. I approached a pastor at church and asked if they had any sort of mentoring program; I was in need of some wise counsel with big decisions on the horizon! While they didn’t have anything organized, he set up for me to meet with the head pastor’s wife for the summer.
We hadn’t met before, but of course I knew who she was. I’ll never forget meeting the first time. Once we got settled at a café, she started with, “On my way here, I was praying for you. I asked the Lord if he had any words he wanted me to share with you. He gave me two: country name and global work. Do those mean anything to you?”
I was blown away! How did she know the name of the place my boyfriend was serving? How did she know I wanted to serve abroad? Only the Lord could have revealed such details to her! I was immediately so grateful for the sweet, intimate way the Lord confirmed so many things with just a few words from someone I barely knew. Now, I laugh at the Lord knowing that he was working with a pretty stubborn girl and had to do something big to get her to listen!
Fast-forward through me visiting my boyfriend overseas (how funny that our first in-person date was six months into dating and in another country!), getting married, and preparing to go overseas to being in the country the Lord confirmed so long ago for almost sixteen years now. There have been some very difficult years serving here. During each valley, the Lord kindly reminds me how clearly he spoke to call us here. I trust he will make it clear when we’re supposed to move elsewhere.
Of course, the Lord doesn’t always speak so clearly. Sometimes it’s through many open or closed doors in one direction or confirmation through scripture or music. Other times, he is silent, urging us to take steps in the direction we and our wise counsel think is the right way, often to lead us down a path of learning to trust him more. Whether you’re in a time of hearing him in obvious ways, or you’re waiting for an answer, be encouraged. He is always near!
“The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand.” (Psalm 37:23–24 ESV)
*****
I used to make these muffins (that we dubbed “Hulk muffins”) quite a bit when my older three kids were younger. They come together in a blender, are not too sweet, and pack a ton of spinach that won’t taste like a vegetable at all! Now that we’re back in toddler-needs-snacks-all-day-long mode with our surprise number four, I pulled this recipe out again. My older kids still love them! I sent some to their co-op, and their classmates loved them too! Just proof they really don’t taste “green.” 🙂 Give them a try!
together. Done!
eat these!
Spinach Banana Muffins
Makes: 18 muffins
Ready in: 30 minutes
Slightly adapted from: Super Healthy Kids
- 2 cups flour (I like 1 cup all-purpose, 1 cup whole wheat)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup milk (can sub any non-dairy milk)
- 1/2 cup butter, melted and cooled for 5 mins (can sub coconut oil, melted and cooled)
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup (can also use white sugar)
- 6 oz baby spinach
- 1 large, ripe banana
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- A few chocolate chips, optional
- Preheat oven to 350 F/175 C. Spray your muffin tin with cooking spray, or use silicone or paper muffin liners.
- Melt butter. Set aside to cool.
- Combine all dry ingredients. Set aside.
- To a blender, add milk, melted butter, honey, baby spinach, banana, egg, and vanilla. Blend until completely pureed.
- Pour the spinach mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients, and mix until combined. Do not overmix.
- Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin tin until about 3/4 full. Add chocolate chips if desired.
- Bake 17–20 minutes. Test doneness with a toothpick; they should not brown.
- Remove from the oven, and cool on a wire rack. Store in an airtight container. Enjoy!
