Sometimes the greatest spiritual battles don’t come in the form of loud opposition or obvious resistance. Sometimes they show up disguised as paperwork, logistics, and little unexpected obstacles that make you stop and wonder, “Is this still what God wants us to do?”

Recently, Good News To The World Ministry encountered one of those moments. It seemed small at first—just another step in the process of getting ministry mailings out the door. But as many of us know, the enemy doesn’t always attack with a roar. Sometimes he tries to discourage with a whisper… an annoyance… a frustration.   Sometimes it is just a simple task, but then it can turn into something much more complicated.  Do we get derailed or will we prevail? 

We sat down to use the required USPS Wizard to print mailing labels. The envelopes were ready. The packets were prepared.  Everything seemed to be moving forward.

But then a problem popped up…  The envelope size wasn’t listed in the USPS system. The largest available option was a #10 envelope, which was noticeably shorter than the envelope we had already prepared.

Immediately, questions began to flood in: “Will the packet even fit in a size #10 envelope?  Do we even have enough size #10 envelopes?  Will we have to remove materials from the packet to meet the restrictions?  What if the weight is too much? What if the thickness is too much?”  In these types of moments, everything can suddenly feel uncertain and discouraging.  It’s amazing to this blogger that so many times these things hit when you’re already in motion, you’re already doing the work, already in the midst of serving.  These moments can plant doubt in the middle of progress.

Did the Enemy Stop Us?  No.  Not even close.  We took a moment to pray, consider and refocus.  We then discovered something powerful; we had the right envelopes in stock.  The packets fit perfectly and they came in just under the weight and thickness restrictions.  This roadblock turned out to be an awesome reminder!  A reminder that God makes a way, where there does not seem to be a way.  The details can take us on a detour but if we check back to our map, our guide… OUR LORD… We see that He will make our paths straight and direct us exactly where we need to be.  This was also a reminder that what God calls us to do, He will equip us to do it! 

This Detour of Details wasn’t just about a victory in getting mail out, but it was a spark of encouragement for what God is going to be doing next in this ministry.  We are praying for God’s clear leading on how to reach our own community—not only through mailed materials, but through hands and feet willing to go.

There is a growing desire to involve volunteers, including students from youth groups, evangelism groups, and Christians all over who are willing to share directly.  One step that is already taking shape is a plan to go into nearby hospital waiting rooms, offering snacks and gospel tracts to people who are often weary, anxious, grieving, and desperate for hope.  If you’ve ever sat in a hospital waiting room, you know it can feel like the loneliest place in the world. Time slows down. Fear grows loud. People are searching for answers, comfort, and peace.  And what greater place to bring the message of Jesus?

The enemy would love nothing more than to stop these efforts with confusion, inconvenience, and discouragement. He would love for people to say, “It’s too complicated.” or “Maybe it’s not the right time.”  But God is faithful.

If you’re reading this and you’ve been feeling delayed, discouraged, or stuck in the details, remember that sometimes God is not saying “no.”  Sometimes He’s simply saying, “Not Now” or “Soon”.. Pray and Seek Him.  He will show up and all of a sudden

The packet will fit.  The door will open.  The weight is not as heavy as it was.  The mission is still possible.  And most importantly, God is still in it!

Please pray with us for:

• God’s clear direction on how to reach our community
• Open doors for ministry and outreach
• Volunteers who are willing and bold
• Youth involvement, that students would develop courage and compassion
• Divine appointments in hospital waiting rooms
• AND that every tract, every conversation, every act of kindness would plant seeds of salvation

As we are coming to a close of all of the excitement from the holidays and the New Year’s celebrations and meeting with family, we take down the decorations and settle back into our daily routines. We find ourselves in quiet moments, in chilly evenings, by ourselves… completely alone and we start to ask, what’s next? What does the year ahead look like? Is there something for me to do in this coming year? What did this holiday even mean? Do I have a purpose? What am I supposed to be working on or accomplishing? Or maybe you are asking the simple questions… like… who am I? Or Who is this Jesus people were talking about over the holidays? What does He mean to me? If any of this sounds like you are in the right place!

I would like to take this moment to challenge you to spend time reading the Bible… reading this post… but most importantly, asking Jesus to show Himself to you and speak to you… and then find a church home where you can learn more about Jesus and help you find a purpose, direction and hope for the future. Jesus loves you and has great things in store for you! Take time to get to know Him! He is your Savior and He is your friend!

“FOR I KNOW THE PLANS I HAVE FOR YOU, DECLARES THE LORD, PLANS TO PROSTER YOU AND NOT TO HARM YOU, PLANS TO GIVE YOU A HOPE AND A FUTURE.” JEREMIAH 29:11