Fast Food or Fast Faith

Matthew 14:13-21 - When Jesus fed the 5000, we get fixated on the kid with the fish and bread. But it's not about the kid (in the Matthew version that I read, he's not even mentioned). It's about Jesus and what he did...and what he asked the disciples to do in the first place. 

They suggested a logical thing - it's getting dark. There's no food here. There's food in nearby villages. People should go find some dinner before they're stumbling around in the dark looking for a KFC before it closes. Jesus, out of the blue, tells them to produce some food for them. What?

And here it is: when he asks us to do something, go somewhere, give something, talk to someone, etc....and we lack the obvious resources...what is our response?

In the story, the disciples actually started asking around for food. They had nothing to offer in and of themselves, so they gave their small resource to Jesus. He made it happen, gave it back to them, and they ended up feeding a ton of people. 

Was it their ingenuity and quick thinking that saved the day? No. It was all the grace of God. When our resources look skimpy, we shouldn't panic. We shouldn't give up the task because there isn't an abundance of stuff/knowledge/money/time in front of us. God has the ability to provide that abundance. We need to be faithful with the scraps in our basket. He can turn those scraps into a feast. 

We write this post to challenge and encourage ourselves. We pray it blesses you as well.  Thank you for your faith as you pray and support us here. Together we are walking in God’s provision.

God Knows the Details

Yesterday we went to Open Arms Church in Newbridge to see our friends, Ron and Sharon, before they leave for the U.S. on Thursday. It was our last time to see them for the foreseeable future. They had visa issues too, and after several appeals were told they could not stay in Ireland. So they will be heading back to New Mexico, and we will be praying for them to quickly return. 

We were so happy to see them and have a chance to catch up. As we talked with them and shared stories, here's a few things that really stuck in my head.

• As one of the pastors at Open Arms said, Irish Immigration holds no power that God didn't give them. If He wanted the Hassetts to stay in Ireland, they would be staying in Ireland.
• They feel called, committed, and commissioned to this new and unexpected direction. Their attitude is great, and their hearts are set on fulfilling whatever call God has for them. 
• I want to be like Ron and Sharon when I grow up. They worked "secular" jobs until retirement. THEN they became missionaries to Ireland. Their willingness to serve God no matter their age, the cost, the position, or the detour is an example of which we should all take note. 

Let's join together this week in praying for Ron and Sharon. Pray for a smooth transition, fruit in their new direction, and quick admittance back into Ireland.

Katy and I are still awaiting our visa clearance. There are good days and bad days. Talk with this couple increases our faith that no matter the result, God will be directing our path. Thank you for all your prayers and support.

Sitting in God's Provision

This may seem like a non-spiritual thing, but I'm currently typing this blog at home sitting in our new conservatory (sun room). I mentioned to Katy before we began searching for a new place to live that it would be amazing to have a conservatory. She laughed as we both knew it was pretty far-fetched to expect such a luxury in the tough housing climate in Ireland. 

We were blown away to find out that our new landlord decided to add a room on to our house at no cost to us. With a new baby on the way and Eden getting bigger, we knew we'd need the space. As I sit here now, I find myself getting a bit emotional. In the midst of awaiting our visa situation to be resolved, God is providing for us as a family. Things that seem silly or shallow (like a sun room), God does not ignore them. He sees our hearts and provides for us right where we are.

I am literally sitting in God's provision right now. I know that whatever comes with visa stuff or any other situation down the pike, God will provide. He will put us where He wants us. He will give us all we need, not just to survive, but to thrive as we answer His calling on our life.

Thank you for all your prayers, comments, and messages regarding our visa situation. We are still waiting to receive information. We will let you know as soon as we find out. We love and appreciate you all.