By Holly Culhane
Facilitating, speaking, Q and A, building relationship, packing, unpacking, setting up, tearing down, meeting new people (or a lot of new people), different beds, altered time zones, disrupted sleep patterns … and anything else you can think of related to delivering a message face-to-face via conferences, workshops, or keynote speeches – all can wear on a person. Add to that a different culture, one or more foreign languages, interpreters, rules of the road unlike (or nothing like) what you’re used to, a different currency, and international flights … and you have a recipe for mental and physical fatigue.
Even when one is living deeply into the calling the Father has placed on his or her life .. and loving it … a person’s human limitations can surface.
I found myself at that point after a recent trip to the Middle East. We had facilitated a four-day gathering on shepherding and, thanks to the Father’s blessing, a number of participants had volunteered to multiply the shepherding message – most certainly our hope. The people were delightful and Spirit-filled, and our hosts had been most accommodating.
But sleep had eluded me for much of the trip. The Almighty had sustained us, but I knew my tank was running low.
We landed back in the U.S. in the early morning hours. Due to a late afternoon connecting flight and a bit of a drive, we faced another 18 hours before the trip was over. I worked hard – calling on The Good Shepherd for help – to be awake, alert, and upbeat.
Then it began –
- A text from a new friend who lives near the airport, assuring us she would be happy to pick us up and bless us with a hot breakfast, a shower, a comfy bed, and time to rest. Exactly what I needed.
- An unexpected text from a shepherding partner with an encouraging word after listening to a recent vlog post. “You and Doug are right in your wheelhouse.” Exactly what I needed.
- An out-of-the-blue email from a friend, full of encouragement. Exactly what I needed.
- An email from our Bangladesh partner providing photos of their team distributing food to the needy in mosques and temples, with one man wearing a Presence Point “Live into Your Calling” tee shirt. Exactly what I needed.
- A text from a woman who just wanted to let me know she was praying for us as we traveled. Exactly what I needed.
…your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him.
Matthew 6:8b
Yes, The Good Shepherd knows exactly what we need … and just when we need it!
Dear shepherd leader, can you recall a time in your life when the Father provided exactly what you needed? Share in the comments below.
8 thoughts on “Exactly”
I have been encourage by your testimony. I am praying for Presence Point ministries that may God spread it world wide. And you founder be kept safe and strengthened by Jesus.
Thank you, Paul! You are an encouragement to Doug and to me! Blessings upon you as you live into your calling pastoring your church under a tree in Tanzania…
This Psalm came up on my calendar just after I read your post!! PTL!! “Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul…….Teach me your will, for You are my God; Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground.” Psa 143:8, 10
Blessings to you and Doug
Howard – Yes! Yes! Yes! Such a beautiful psalm and reminder of our Good Shepherd’s faithfulness! I’m sure that He has provided exactly what you needed many, many times. With you, I am so very grateful for His Provision, Protection, and Presence, And for His omniscience — the fact that He ALWAYS nows EXACTLY what we need WHEN we need it is, well, just SO GOD! Praise Him!
This is a great reminder!
Thanks, Garry! I love taking a moment to stop and think of how good the Good Shepherd has been to us. What a blessing! May you live deeply into your calling today, my friend…
Holly, what a good reminder. I’ve been there countless times and also been blessed by the Lord. He does care for us so well.
Yes, Dave, I’m sure you have been there many, many times! Your international travel far exceeds mine and I’m sure the blessing The Good Shepherd has brought your way has always been a beautiful reminder of His faithfulness. And, yes, He does indeed care for us so very, very well. Blessings to you and Joan!