“Something’s going on here?” That’s the feeling and thoughts I get in life when changes take place outside of my control and I can only stand back and watch. We all know the saying, “God works in mysterious ways,” which is a way of saying I don’t understand what’s happening or even why but I believe that God is at work and He will bring about an outcome that will glorify His Name and bless His people.

Often we become nervous when things happen outside of our control, we all like to be in control and be firmly seated behind the driver’s wheel - that’s why some people hate being passengers. It’s also why I’m not really thrilled about sitting on an aeroplane when I can’t see what the pilot is doing. I feel the need to be able to at least see him so that I can keep an eye on him. Maybe I can offer some advice if he gets into a bit of rough weather or if one of the engines catches fire! As ridiculous as this sounds, I think many of us operate that way when it comes to our own lives and ministries. We don’t really want God alone in the driver’s seat - we’d rather be at the controls or at least advising Him on what He should do next. When things begin to head in a direction we never planned for, that’s when we tighten our seat belts and wish we were at the controls of life.

God’s response is always the same – “Trust me, rest in me, focus on me and stop trying to wrestle the controls out of my hands. I know what is best and I know how to best achieve my purposes for your life.” Here’s an example of changing circumstances, recently Lifehouse had its principal sponsor withdraw his support; this isn’t unusual as it has been a regular occurrence over the last year as he helps us to become independent. Each time it has happened finances have all but disappeared including a time last year when we ran out of funds altogether and while some staff left, others remained and worked voluntarily to keep Lifehouse open.

What is unusual this time is that while financial support from our principal sponsor has ceased, applications from women wanting to enter the house have risen dramatically over recent weeks. For the first time Lifehouse, in the coming weeks, will have a full house of women and for the first time we will have to turn women away! It seems as though God is putting us under a different kind of pressure, lack of funds is familiar to us but an overwhelming number of applicants is not.

So while on the one hand we rejoice in the doors that God has opened in blessing Lifehouse with greater responsibility of more precious women to minister to, on the other hand we are thinking: “Lord, how will you provide funds to allow us to continue to minister?” It makes me think and feel, “something’s going on here!” I don’t quite know what it is, but God is certainly active, and is making abundant provision in one way while removing it another. All I can say is “God works in mysterious ways” to achieve His will and purposes. We can but watch and pray which probably isn’t a bad idea. I’d invite you to join me in watching and praying that God’s will is done and His Name is glorified.