A Quick Note About the Baptist Missionaries in Haiti....

I believe that the missionaries currently being held by the government of Haiti on child trafficking charges had the best of intentions. I believe they knew they didn't have the proper documentation to remove those children from the country. I think that the parents who willingly gave their children to the missionaries believed that they were giving up their children to people who would give them better lives.

Laura Silsby, the leader of the missionary group, has been repeatedly saying to the news media that she "has faith that God will lead them to a positive outcome." I assume she believes that God will act to have the group exonerated of all charges and returned to the United States. What other positive outcome could there be, right?

This reminds me of a lesson that I have to teach myself over and over again. What we believe is a positive outcome in our lives isn't necessarily in the best interest of God's kingdom or other people. What if the best way to serve God is ministering to the souls in the jails of Haiti? Certainly, I would never wish for an innocent person to be sentenced to a life in prison. However, what constitutes a "positive outcome" is very subjective, especially in spiritual matters.

This helps me to remember that what I think is in my best interest may not be. God's idea of a positive turn of events in my life doesn't necessarily look or feel positive, especially in the moment. It may be the act of working through the worst of circumstances that gives birth to something wonderful. I've seen that truth work itself through my marriage, my friendships, my financial life and my attitude with my children. No matter how badly we want something, we just aren't capable of seeing far enough into the future to know whether or not it is in our best interest. I don't have faith that God will produce what I consider a positive outcome. I put faith in the fact that He will always do what's best for me - even when it doesn't feel good or look pretty, even if it takes years to see results or causes heartache along the way.

I hope that the missionaries are able to come back to the United States and face an investigation into what truly transpired. In the meantime, I think this is a good reminder that we pray that God's will always be done. Then, right after that, I'm going to cross my fingers and beg to win the Powerball. It couldn't hurt.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
Romans 8:28