For several years, Larry and I have looked forward to returning to Greece. We were there several years ago on a ministry trip that also included Poland. We spent a week in each place, speaking and making friends with those in leadership. In Greece, we had the privilege of getting to know Takis and April Korianitis who are pastors of an evangelical church on the island of Zakinthos. We loved being there as the country is gorgeous and the people are delightful. And the best part: God used our ministry.

We kept in touch with the Korianitis and we all mentioned about us returning. So when the time looked right, we started making our plans. We’ll be there for five weeks starting the middle of September. We’ve been looking forward to staying in a place for a longer period of time to see how the Lord might use us.

But I’ll be honest. I really wondered what we would do in a longer period of time. Usually, we just go for a week or two, give some marriage seminars, parenting seminars, and meet with people for encouragement. Five weeks? That’s a long time. What is God up to?

Last week, we received an email from Takis. He wrote,

“You won’t believe what happened at summer camp….!
While camp was going on some parents visited. One of them, from our village, told me that someone directed him to us so he can find help for his marriage, and his wife’s brother’s marriage also. Not going into details, we are planning a marriage seminar for a few families from our church and also for a few families that are lost.
So, needless to say that I am flying right now….! Prepare then, for a 3 or 4 day seminar or whatever you guys think would be appropriate for saved and lost couples.
Man oh man! this is a door that I have been praying for!”
What exciting news! Hearing of God’s work was so encouraging to me. Why am I even wondering or concerned what God has in mind!? He already is working to set things up. He knows exactly the plan He has in mind, far beyond what I could ever cause to happen or work out. We’ll just need to be prepared as much as possible and abide in His power, going along for the ride.

Maybe there’s some uncertainty in your life. I could list so many things that the people I love are going through. The future seems murky at times. What will happen? What should be done?

It could feel very scary to you right now. We all would prefer having a blueprint to life. But God is an expert at giving us opportunities to walk by faith and abide in trust. He knows what He’s doing. We just have to take one step at a time and believe He has a plan.

Let’s make a fresh commitment to trust that the Lord God of the Universe knows exactly what He’s doing and He can be trusted. Take one step at a time and know He’ll guide us for the next step after that.

Jeremiah 29:11 is God’s promise: “‘For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.'” Praise the Lord!