By MARK Heid

we wrap up our time as

CMA National Evangelists, Tammy and I are once again looking for the call of God on our lives. Looking back, it is surprising to see that it has been nearly eight years since we took this position. We were overwhelmed at the thought of leading a Region and felt ill-prepared for the responsibilities and exposure the assignment would entail. It took three days of prayer and fasting to be assured that it was really God calling us to the position, not just CMA National Leadership.

From that timid and insecure start, God has guided and directed us to lead His people in the Rocky Mountain Region and to share His messages from the CMA National stage. We realized early on that there was no way we could do this job in our own strength, and He never let us forget that.

Just as assuredly as hearing the call to be a CMA National Evangelist, we now feel His release from the same. In God’ s perfect timing, He has raised up another couple, Jim and Barb Nelson, to step in as we transition out. We are excited to see how God is working in and through them as they take this step of faith.

What comes next, we don’ t know. But we are certain that God knows, and we are excited for that. Through Jeremiah, God reminded the exiled Israelites that He had their future in His hands.“ For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord.“ They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope”( Jeremiah 29:11, NLT). There is much that we can learn from this verse and the Israelites ' exile in Babylon.

First, we can trust God. He already knows the plans He has for us. Thankfully, the future is not a mystery to God.

Second, we should not stress or worry. No matter what our current situation looks like, it ends well for God’ s chosen people. His plans for us are good.

Third, we can live expectantly for what is to come in our lives. God gives His followers a future filled with hope.

Fourth, we have something the Babylonian exiles did not. God has given us a guide and a comforter in the person of the Holy Spirit to be with us and in us as we follow Him today.

And fifth, God keeps His promises. We are living between the first and second coming of the Messiah.

Many of the confusing and mysterious Old Testament prophecies have already been fulfilled and confirmed in the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We can live confidently that the remaining prophecies will be fulfilled as well.

God has gifted each of us with talents, abilities, personality, experiences, and desires to accomplish His perfect plan for our lives.“ For we are God’ s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago”( Ephesians 2:10, NLT). Our role is to listen to His call and seek the opportunity He has placed before us. Answer that call and see what amazing things He has in store for you. CMA

Mark and Tammy Heid oversee the Rocky Mountain Region as National Evangelist.

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