Forgetful

3rd post of several recalling life impacting experiences in my travels as a follower of Jesus:

Not every border crossing is tidy and efficient with glass shields and marble counter tops.  Nor is it always efficient.  I was traveling with a group between two underdeveloped countries and crossing overland in a remote portion of the countries.  We needed to exit our vehicles and bring our luggage with us into an office.  The official who processed the paper work was not present.  So we waited.  And piled our luggage on one part of the room.

After awhile the official returned and it was our turn to be processed.  They decided to search our luggage.  And just at that moment I realized that I had some EMM names cards in my hand carry bag.  To be a follower of Jesus as a foreigner in that country is acceptable.  But to work for an agency that exists for the purpose of converting others away from the faith of their heritage is extremely unwelcome.  The potential problem was if the official noticed the name cards, realized what it meant, and assumed that all of those traveling with me were also affiliated with this organization it could be very difficult for us and especially for the traveling companion who was residing in that country. 

To move toward my luggage and pick out the offending cards would of course arouse suspicion.  So I watched and prayed.  And I watched the official methodically look in each bag.  Almost every bag.  Just before he got to mine he stopped and gave us clearance to go. 

Even when we are not faithful—in this case when we slip up and make mistakes—God remained faithful.  It is his nature.