From Cindy's Heart

An Email from Tammy Coates...

Feedback on Our Article:  GO THE DISTANCE...

Dear Cindy,

I just wanted to tell you how much I identified with your comments on Abraham's life.  Reading about him is like reading about my family, too, only we already had children when God moved us.  The nice thing was that He told us where we were going :o)

We are missionaries in Guatemala, Central America.  The Lord moved us here in December 2002, and boy, has it been a journey!  I don't mean the physical journey.  (Although that in itself is a tale to tell, because we drove through Mexico!)

You mentioned the spiritual "place" that God was leading Abraham's family to.  That is what mattered most, but the physical displacement played an important part.  Separation!  Separation from all things familiar, all things that felt "safe", and yet Abraham followed, knowing that the "safest" place to be was in the will of God.  It was separation from the distractions of the old family traditions, to build new, godly traditions that would one day point generations to Christ!  It was a separation from the comforts of the world, so that he could and would come away more often to seek God's face.  There was no one else to look to for help!

This is all about our family, too.  God called us away, not only to serve others and give the gospel to spiritually hungry people, but also to take our family to a spiritual "place" where our parents have never been.  He has stripped us of many worldly possessions and conveniences, and has led us to the place where we have learned to depend on Him.

If He had not brought us to this place, separated from family and old friends, I do not know where I would be in my spiritual life, and I don't think our children would be so blessed, either.  If God had not brought us here, I know I would not have prayed for my husband and children so much, and sought God's face about being a godly wife, mother, and how to educate the children He has given us.  Could it be that we are more thankful for the little things (like a box of macaroni and cheese) because there is no Wal-mart just around the corner?

Thank you, Lord!  Thank you for loving us so much, and for taking the trouble to tend to us and help us grow.  Thank you for keeping us moving, and not letting us stagnate into uselessness.  Thank you for placing a yoke on our shoulders, then pulling alongside us, bearing most of the burden Yourself.  It is my delight to come away and learn more about You, Lord!

And thank you, Cindy, for sharing those thoughts about Abraham.  Enjoy the rest of the study!

Blessings -
Tammy Coates

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Daniel Coates Family
Missionaries in Guatemala
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