The Prophet Jeremiah prayed the truth that we have all lived by: “I know, O Lord, that a man’s life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps” (Jeremiah 10:23 NIV). Like you, Melinda and I have submitted our lives and our paths to Him. He leads and, like you, we follow wherever and whenever He directs.
Fifteen years ago God directed Melinda and me to pray Psalms 2:8: “Ask of me and I will give the nations as an inheritance to you.” This prayer permeated every assignment that God allowed us to serve and, ironically not as traditional missionaries. The announcement of the surprising work of God that led to my upcoming appointment as the director of Foursquare Missions International was accompanied by remembering this prayer as well as the opportunity to hear from strong, lifelong friends, who have shared life and ministry with us.
One friend reminded us of a word of wisdom he had given us that “God would one day make us missionaries, but that right then was not the time for it.” Another friend reflected on a time he heard us say that we wanted to serve in missions. In response, he wrote: “Ever since then I have quietly held in my heart a prayer for you and Melinda, that your dreams would come true.”
We were surprised and amazed at the number of our friends who remembered similar conversations and our dreams.
Our God also remembers! He is the God who listens in on quiet conversations and remembers the distant promises He has made to us. He is forever faithful and we have learned this anew and in a life-changing way these past few weeks. Be encouraged dear brothers and sisters… God hears and He remembers!
Jim and Melinda Scott serve The Foursquare Church as Northeast District Supervisors; Jim will become director of Foursquare Missions International on November 1, 2010.
