PREPARATION
"...to prepare God's people for works of service, so that
the body of Christ may be built up."
Ephesians 4:12A

      It was two years before I boarded the plane heading for China.  At times I despaired of ever going.  One day I said to my friend, Granny Marshall, "Granny, it has been nearly two years and the trip to China has been postponed so many times.  I suppose people think I was just talking but never actually intended to go to China.  I am embarrassed."

      Granny said, "Don't be concerned about what people say.  Maybe God was testing whether you would obey Him.  It is the same as if you went because your heart is right with God."

      Now that I look back, I can see that I had to go through a time of preparation before embarking on my journey to China.  God had to get me ready.  He knew there were some issues that needed to be ironed out.

      One of my problems was in the area of submission.  I resented authority figures, especially male leaders.  I would suppose my problem came about because of all the abuse I had suffered at the hands of men throughout my life.  I had lost respect for men and resented their authority over me.

      It so happened that the Lord sent me to a different church where a man named Harold Thornberry was teaching a Sunday school class on authority.  Each week Harold spoke about God's plan for obeying the authority over us.   It seemed to me that every Sunday he kept talking about a woman's role concerning submission to authority.

      One Sunday after class I said, "Harold, you keep talking about what women are to do.  When are going to hit on the guys?"  I thought his teaching was one-sided.

      Harold said, "Now, hold on, Lenore.  I'm going to get around to the men very shortly, as soon as I finish with God's plan for women.

      After Harold had completed his teaching on woman's role in God's plan, the Lord said to me one Saturday morning, I want you to leave this church now."

      God was, indeed, directing my path, step by step, though I had now understanding of His plan for me.

      I would not see the purpose for this teaching until I was over in China.  It is true that we only see dimly, in part, but God sees the big picture.  Who can fathom the mysterious ways of our awesome God!