I recently read Hebrews 6:12, which says to mimic those who, by faith and patience, receive the promises of God. Basically, if you're following in someone's footsteps, it should be someone who is where you want to be. Follow the ministry advice of someone whose ministry is fruitful. Follow the parenting advice of someone whose children love the LORD. This applies to every area of life.
As I meditated on this verse, I wrote a list of women (and one man) whose faith I wanted to mimic. The list included my pastor's wife, three women in the child sponsorship ministry, one of my best friends, and a popular online influencer whose posts always point me to the love of Christ.
As I meditated on this verse, I wrote a list of women (and one man) whose faith I wanted to mimic. The list included my pastor's wife, three women in the child sponsorship ministry, one of my best friends, and a popular online influencer whose posts always point me to the love of Christ.
One of these women was someone whose faith has inspired me every time we've traveled to Honduras together. Her love for her sponsored children and faith despite daunting situations was beyond inspiring. She sponsored several little girls; one who particularly caught my attention each time we visited. The girl's name was Paola. It may have been her sweet smile. Or, it may have been the fact that every time I saw her, Paola was wearing a purple dress covered in flowers. Like, every time. It wasn't always the same dress either. She had multiples.
In case you're new, purple flowers are my personal symbol of God's faithfulness and abundance in my life. Every time I saw Paola, she was wearing some combination of purple and flowers. Usually on her dress, and occasionally in her hair.
Note the headband
As mentioned, Paola already had an amazing sponsor; so I never thought of this as anything more than God's way of smiling at me and declaring His love for this child. That is, until recently, when Paola's sponsor had to end her sponsorship. It was actually for a wonderful reason- her church had decided to partner with our ministry, and they would be starting their own sponsorship program in another part of Honduras. Because she would be traveling with them, she would no longer be able to travel with us to Paola's area. I remembered what I'd learned about imitating those who inherit the promises of God. Paola's sponsor was definitely that for me. I began to pray about sponsoring Paola and continuing the work that my mentor had started with her.
However, while I was still praying about it, Paola was chosen by someone else. For some reason, this didn't stop me from praying. I felt a strong nudge in my heart to continue. I knew that if it were to happen now, it would be God. And sure enough, a few months later, Paola became available for sponsorship again! The rest is history.
I haven't visited Paola since becoming her sponsor, but I have received a letter from her. Keep in mind, she sent this before ever receiving a letter from me, so she had no idea about my love for purple flowers. On the front of the page, she wrote about her love for Disney princesses and her desire to be a nurse one day. And on the back...
God is so, so faithful. He spent years growing this child in my heart, though I didn't even realize it. I am so blessed to sponsor Paola and hope to visit her in the very near future.
