Author Archives: Todd

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Simeon's Moment by Ron DiCianni

Today, while working in the lawn, I listened to a sermon which referenced Simeon, the prophet who met the holy family in the temple after the time of purification was over (Luke 2:22-25).  Great emphasis was placed on the fact that, though Jesus was only a seven week-old child, this devout man saw in Him the glory of the promise that was to come.  So assured was he of who Jesus was that he was content to die happy, having received the promise that God had given him – that he would witness the coming of the Kingdom of Heaven in his lifetime.

The preacher to whom I was listening pointed out that many of us fail to recognize the promise of God, or become complacent as time progresses, and stop looking for the fulfillment of the promise.  He also pointed out that Simeon received a personal word from God, apart from Scripture, a prophetic revelation that he would participate in something new and wonderful.  Listeners were encouraged to hold on to the hope of God’s promise in our life, though it may seem to take a long time.  Like Simeon, we are to be sensitive to God’s call, and eagerly follow His bidding.  Simeon was called “by the Spirit into the temple” (v. 27).  He also showed discernment when he saw, in the little baby, the promise of the Messiah, the conquering King.

I couldn’t help but think of the newly birthed concept of this ministry.  I know that God is preparing us for something big in Uganda, and yet, sometimes, I am disquieted by the scoffs and jeers of those who criticize the plan or lack of specifics, or who attempt to dissuade me from serving a people so far removed from what I know.  As I hold this infant ministry concept in my hands, I see a great future – one in which Jesus Christ shows up in power to do mighty things, and He will let me be a part of it.

I’m grateful for the story of Simeon, and how his foresight inspires me to keep looking ahead.

30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation
31 Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples (Luke 2:30-31, NKJV)

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PrepareThe great heroes of the Bible endured long waits, disappointment, discouragement, and real strife, yet were commended for their faith.  Noah likely spent seventy-five years building the ark amid many who scoffed at him on the high and dry hill.  Jacob toiled seven extra years, a total of fourteen, for the bride he loved.  Even the leprous army commander Naaman, who at first went away angry, expecting Elisha to instantly cure him with a wave of his hand, obediently baptized himself in the Jordan River seven times before he became clean.  So who do I think I am that I should instantly be equipped for my ministry, though God has not even revealed to me exactly what it will be?  Why do I feel disappointed when those who might support me chuckle when they hear that graduation is nearly four years in the future?

Mine are trivial discouragements compared to what lies ahead.  They stretch me just enough to make it to and through the next one.  God is doing in me what I could never ask or imagine, and He is preparing me for something I cannot even fathom.  Every day my heart grows closer to that which lies ahead than that which I leave behind.  My grip on the material things around me is loosening, and the reality that we will likely remain stateside only a few more years is firming in the minds of my wife and me.  In our hearts, we are already in Uganda loving children not our own and serving brothers and sisters who today remain strangers.  In our minds, the Lord has made our calling clear, but in the minds of those around us, we are as lunatics forecasting rain on a high and dry hill where rain has never fallen.

We are looking forward to our visit in April, partly to make new friends, visit mission clinics and orphan ministries, and perhaps view a sample of the work before us – a spying out of Canaan so to speak.  A mostly selfish part of me also longs to put an end to the ridicule that comes after the inquiry, “Have you been there before?”  What always comes next is, “How do you know you will want to live there?”  The answer is simply: God didn’t ask me what I wanted.  I asked Him what He wanted.

“Want to” is something I am learning to submit to God, and what I find is that God changes my “want to” to conform to His will if I let Him.  Since He has called Cindy and me to prepare for missionary work in Uganda, God has fashioned my desire after His calling.  He has made me want Uganda.  My heart aches for Uganda’s children every day, and I’ve never met one of them.  Not only me, but He has imbued Cindy with the same passion.  Why Uganda?  I don’t know why, but I know!   Why wait?  Why a degree in nursing?  I don’t know why, but I know I am to become a nurse.   I am just doing what I am given to do.  “Want to” would not have had me in Uganda.  “Want to” would not have had me ministering to others in the first place.  “Want to” would not have me investigating the northern territories of Uganda, where war and violence are still fresh and where the Karamajong still fight over cattle and sometimes offer human sacrifices to appease an idol god.  “Will do” overcomes “want to” and God, who directs the hearts of kings like a watercourse (Proverbs 21:1), can move my “want to” according to His will.

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study stressCindy and I have spent much of the last two days pouring over my class schedules, seeking to optimize my collegiate expenditures of time and money.

After developing a plan, I marched into my guidance adviser's office this morning to get her approval.  There, I received both encouragement and constructive criticism of our laboriously developed plan.  The great reminder was: when it comes to nursing school, many apply but few are chosen.  I was cautioned to craft my academic schedule to facilitate the best study patterns and the highest grades.  "Straight As is what it takes to get in!" my counselor advised.  She told me the fact that I am male and no longer a teenager were points in my favor, but said my "minority" status was no guarantee of admission.

She also gave me some sound wisdom concerning plans and contingencies.  Where I had whittled out every class I might not need, she encouraged me to take the ones I might need, in case I am accepted into this school but not that.   I tweaked my schedule, adding classes I celebrated dropping the night before, and penciling in future ones I had hoped I could avoid, just to keep my options open.

The bottom line is this: pending timely acceptance into either the nearby University or my current community college in the Fall of 2015, I should (God willing) graduate with my Bachelor's of Science in Nursing at the end of Summer, 2017.  I can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, but at least the tunnel is dug.

Okay, God, the gopher wood for this ark is stacked and the blueprints are dry.  I've got a long way to go before sailing day and there's not a cloud in the sky.  I'm counting on You for the resources and the outcomes.  Help me to be diligent and honorable as I set about Your purpose.