Over the past few months plans have changed again and again. Thinking I would only be home for 3-4 months, now already turning into a much longer stay. From the trip cancellation to Iraq with Partners Relief and Development to the South Sudan trip also being cancelled, the doors that were opened, soon closed. We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps. (Proverbs 16:9) This place is not unfamiliar as plans tend to change very rapidly in the Middle East, always needing to be flexible.

To live with open hands. Hands that are ready to receive whatever the Father places in them; even when it turns out not what we expect. Hands that are willing to freely give. To allow God’s gifts, power, and intentions to flow through in efforts to bless others. Hands that are held open in full surrender to a Good God. Hands that have learned the secret of being content, with little or with much.

The truest place of freedom we can obtain is obedience to God. Are we willing to follow God in the staying as much as the sending? To live an obedient life, we must live with open hands. I encourage you to open your hands to God’s plans.

~ Jenna Biernesser