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Had my weekly RFJ meeting this morning to keep updated with finances, rooms, etc, etc. We were joined by a pastor friend of mine who is considering coming on board to be a "connector/ministering" support for Room For Joy. I had asked him his opinion on whether or not I should follow up with another pastor I am waiting to hear from re: church/organization sponsorship of the next room. My dilemma is this: I waiver back and forth between trusting that God is working in the situation and my lack of patience in just waiting for Him to respond, and my neglecting my responsibility to move forward into opportunities He has put in front of me. It's kind of like, Do I push forward trying to get the funding for the next room, or is that me trying to take charge of something that is clearly not my "gift" or responsibility?

So, this very wise, God-led friend says, "I believe that if a church, or an organization, or even an individual is approached for funding for what is clearly a ministry, meant to honor God, and they make the decision based on available funds instead of whether or not they feel God has called them to do this, then they are being disobedeint to God. Therefore, the funding will come as God calls people into the organization to be a part of it in this way.

Wow! It really made me stop and completely rethink my approach. And, it completely confirmed and validated how I feel about the "funding" of Room For Joy, but have been unable to verbalize. If we give to an organization/ministry/church, based on whether or not we have put it into our budget instead of whether or not we feel called to do so, then we have completely left God out of the equation! When I am approached to consider giving, contributing or tithing, and my first response is to look at the $ amount in my checkbook, how am I honoring God? However, if my first response is to pray and ask God for guidance about whether or not He wants to use the my resources  for this purpose, completely knowing and trusting that ALL resources, financial and otherwise come from Him, then in the end, He gets the glory for that. Whew! Takes all the pressure off doesn't it? Imagine, being faithful enough to let God guide us and call us into the organizations, ministries and churches He wants us to give to and support. And, ultimately, if we believe God has called us to support something for the advancement of His kingdom, then surely He will provide the resources to do so and not moving forward in support would be disobedience! As Erwin McManus puts it...."Never underestimate how far God can take the momentum of what you feel is your nominal influence".

So, my prayer from here on out, regarding funds to support Room For Joy, is this; God, please send those people, companies, churches, into our path that you would want to use to grow this ministry and build your kingdom. Allow them the opportunity to be blessed and bless others by using their resources to support Room For Joy,  if that is what you have called them to do.

Have a blessed day!