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A Divine Assignment

A Saturday morning in early August, while praying in the front yard I sensed the Holy Spirit commanding me to go to the Christian Support for Israel Rally.  It was to be held on the Ellipse, south of the White House in Washington, D.C., from 2 to 4 p.m. Friday afternoon on October 11.

“Why me?” I wondered.  For only two hours of support, flying all the way across the nation?  There must have been so many wonderful ministries, brothers and sisters financially and prayerfully supporting our roots—Jews and Israel.  Wasn’t my support through prayer and MCWE’s Jewish outreaches sufficient?  Yes, Lord.  I know.  I know.  You said it.  I must obey. 

Being twenty-two years in the U.S., I had never visited to the Capitol.  How wonderful would it be if the whole team, including Edmond and Sonya, could tour the federal government and attend the rally together?  God’s timing was perfect.  Vista Verde has a year-around calendar.  The week of October 11 would be Kids’ last of the three-week fall break.  While being tense about the travel cost, I pleaded with the Lord and waited for His answer.  Two weeks later, I received permission.  With much discussion and planning, we scheduled to fly out on Tuesday October 8, and come home Saturday night October 12. 

Before Departure – The Daughter Challenge

Rearing children is a lifetime duty, and traumatic at times.  Don’t know how other parents do it.  As for me, many times I need to go away from kids, stay silent in the Lord and ask Him for comfort, strength and wisdom.  Staying silent is because sometimes I don’t even know or cannot describe what it is that bothers me deeply.  Within several hours, Holy Spirit renews my mind and strengthened me.  Then, I can come back to face children again, and share with them what the Lord has taught me. 

Monday October 7 was one of the traumatic days.  Children came home from a week of stay with their dad and stepmother Saturday afternoon on 10/5. Sonya had her fun, small seven-hour birthday party After the Sunday service.  She turned 11 few days ago.  Monday morning, she got up very late and kept on delaying her reading and music practice.  These tasks usually require about one and half hour to complete.  It was 1:30 p.m. and after reminding her several times mom became impatient and raised her voice.  Sonya yelled back, “What I do is never good enough for you.” 

Mom was dumbfounded.  She has strived to be an understanding, reasonable mother and train up her kids in Truth.  She is by no means a perfectionist.  With the Lord’s grace, she has persevered on helping Sonya build the disciplines of obedience and time management.  (Edmond, on the other hand, has overcome the obedience issue and managed time well.)  Had mom pushed her daughter too hard?  Did her prayer of binding the spirit of rebellion ever effective?

Desperately in need of divine counsel, mom left for the community Jacuzzi and soaked for almost two hours.  Pastor Ayo once said, “When praise becomes inconvenient it becomes a sacrifice.”  Mom gave a sacrifice of praise and worship in her inability to explain the pain and sort out her emotions.  The Lord is forever merciful and faithful.  Holy Spirit, once more, comforted her, and strengthened her with love and understanding.  For Sonya, it was easier to blame mother than to take the responsibility to do the assignments on time.

After coming home at around 3:30, I told Sonya what the Holy Ghost had shown me.  Sonya understood and agreed.  Before going to bed at 9:30 p.m., however, there was no more time left for her to complete the 30-minute reading.

The Son Challenge

As the saying goes, “When it rains, it pours.”  At around 4 p.m., Edmond informed mom he did not want to go to Washington, D.C. Well, a week earlier, he indicated his desire to stay home.  Mom asked him to pray.  If the Lord would excuse him mom was willing to grant his wish.  Neither Edmond nor mom heard the Lord.  Edmond did not talk about it afterwards.

Mom planned on getting some good sleep and awake at 5 a.m. to prepare breakfast and leave together at 6:30.  With few hours left of the night, Edmond presented a showdown.  Mom felt sad and torn.  Maybe her desire of bringing kids was too strong to enable her to hear the Lord correctly?  (She repented.)  If He did not want Edmond to go why would He permit Yvonne making reservations for all three in the first place?  Or, maybe Holy Spirit was training her to be flexible and follow His change of plan whenever, wherever and however?   Or, was this another one of the enemy’s sneaky division?  She continued to seek the Lord and prepare her heart to leave Edmond behind. 

The night was occupied with packing, getting dinner, travel cash and shopping for few more grocery items so nanny Yolanda and her daughter Rosa would have sufficient food while the other three were gone.  (The two dogs, two rabbits and five parakeets all had sufficient provision for the week.)  Edmond did not want to go out while mom and sister went on their mission.

Sonya and I sat outside of the Sam Woo takeout Restaurant and ate.  It was the final moment to confirm the Lord’s will in this showdown.  (The true showdown has always been whether we let the Lord decide or we rush our own desire.  He sure enjoys waiting till absolutely the last minute to tell us what He prefers.  Alas!)  Holy Spirit spoke, “What do you feel?”  Well, I felt uneasy, heavy and no peace.  I felt unfair.  After two months’ of prayer, planning and many trip discussions Edmond became uncooperative right before leaving.  I felt nervous and overwhelmed about making all the necessary arrangements in the little time remaining.  I’d be concerned about him while fulfilling the DC assignment with Sonya.  Holy Spirit said, “Go with what you feel.”  Praise God for His mercy.  After finishing grocery shopping and arriving home at 8 p.m., I informed Edmond, “Son, the Lord did not excuse you.  Pack up.  You’re coming with us.”  Frankly, I saw Edmond be relieved.  He jumped up and started packing right away.

What a day!  Mom thought.  At last, the team was settled on going together.  The Lord brought us through.

--- to be continued ---