Anticipation. We have plenty of it in Moldova!
For our daughters, the anticipation of Christmas morning is tortuous.
For some friends, the waiting for the news of a positive medical result is nerve-wracking.
For this author, the thought of Christmas morning Swedish roll is mouth-watering!
In this season of anticipation and expectation, we look forward to everything: from presents to the arrival to relatives, from the Candlelight service to a few days of vacation. We are eager to receive what lays ahead.
The first Christmas morning was also ripe with anticipation and hope. The entire nation was anticipating the return of the Messiah, though they did not see it happening right under their noses. Because one of the first lessons of the season is this: just because you are anticipating something, doesn’t mean it is coming exactly as you expect.
The Jews expected a powerful conqueror, but they received an infant king. In Moldova, the majority expect their religious heritage to be enough, while Jesus says he only fills the role of Lord. People often expect God to be a harsh taskmaster, whereas God simply desires to show mercy and grace.
Perhaps we need to open our eyes to God’s miracles, His way of fulfilling our expectations. Perhaps He desires to provide in a different way, bless through a different channel, and show His love through a different means.
This coming year, I anticipate great things for Moldova. I want to dream for:
- Changed lives at the Home of Hope, where those formerly broken will become whole.
- Vibrant churches to be founded in communities where there are still none.
- Our first wells to be dug, blessing villages with the Church’s expression of love.
- Divine opportunities to share with our neighbors about Christ’s grace.
But I want to also be aware that God might fulfill these miracles in ways I do not expect.
God will change the hearts and values of the girls in the Home of Hope, but the process might be messier than I foresee. He will start churches, and it might be through a different method that I think best. Christ can open opportunities, provide support, raise up leaders, call others to Moldova…and all in His way.
Yes, I am still in anticipation, and I am asking for eyes to see His way of doing the work. I want to see God use the insignificant to change the world.
With great anticipation,
Andy Raatz
Andy Raatz