"OK God, Very Funny."

The (Im)Possible Dream
by Chris Waldmann

I heard a woman testify once that she wanted all that God had for her. Do you ever feel that God must have a plan for you and your family? Did you ever have restlessness in your spirit?

I used to reason it was that person in me who wanted something cool to say at his 10-year reunion, something that would wow them. That I wanted to be somebody, to make a difference. I cried out to God, “Show me something! Where am I going? What do you want for me? Your Word says you have plans, promises, blessings. The cattle on a thousand hills. Just show me one hill or one cow.” And, it was in that desperate cry that He answered me, comforted me and held me. It was there that I caught a glimpse of the hillside.

Working with kids had been a truly joyous part of my life and I got to do it with my wife at my side. The previous several weeks had been very trying. Some children’s outreach projects we had been working on just couldn’t seem to get off the ground. Unsure what to do next, I had run off to Chicago to see some old friends and get away from everything. I wanted so much for this children’s ministry and I knew it was what God had called me to, but it felt like it was slipping away.

I haven’t found any scripture to support a leap of faith, but God has taught me that He works in steps of faith as His Word teaches. I entered Sunday morning worship with one thought, “Lord, I need to hear from you.”

I saw what I believe was a vision from God. It was our family in ministry together. I saw us traveling to kids’ camps and special events. As a family we were ministering together full time. I felt God confirm in me that He would lead me in steps and He would require of me my portion to bring this to pass.

I chewed on this most of the day. We were at a birthday party picnic on the shores of Lake Michigan. I gazed across the waters for a couple of hours before I finally pulled my wife aside to share my heart and vision. She may have been caught off guard, but ultimately this had long been her heart’s desire too.

On the ride back home from Chicago, we began sharing our thoughts and feelings with our kids. Their reaction was a resounding, “Yes, let’s go for it!” We returned home rejuvenated, knowing that in a year we would be operating fully in the will of God. We tried to look at everything as a learning experience for where we were going. We threw ourselves into children’s ministry at our church.

Between church and our regular jobs. we felt a mighty pressing weight for both of us that some days brought us literally to tears. “But I can do all things,” we would tell ourselves. We would encourage each other that it was only for a season.

We continued teaching the kids in our church and incorporated the Full Armor of God into our curriculum, building a whole stage set to go with it. Boy did we need that lesson each week. We directed the Children’s Christmas play and coached Bible Quiz. Parents would thank us for ministering to their kids and tell us how much their kids talked about us at home. We felt we were making an impact but it wasn’t enough. If only we could get in full time, we could really make this into something. We consumed any teaching we could on marriage, family and teaching kids to continually feed our spirits.

Then it all changed. The church hired a full time Children’s Pastor. While this was as shock to our world, we were determined that it would not cause a conflict. We love our church. Our emotions ran the gamut, but we prayed and realized this change of events didn’t change our ministry. The Lord had something else for us.

Not long after this, I was helping my daughter with a school project. This required us to search the Internet for her interests and research job trends, pay and opportunities. I decided if I were searching for anything, it would be something I really wanted, my dream job. So I typed in, “International Children’s Minister,” and it actually came back with a match! I laughed and said, “OK God, very funny.” When I clicked the link, it led me to Gospel Light Worldwide where I was greeted by a video about reaching One Million Children. My spirit was stirred. One thing led to another and I found myself waiting for a phone call from the GLW’s president.

That morning I had the kids pray with me. I asked them to pray at school too. When the call came, I was so blessed by the conversation, the vision of the ministry and how God can do more than we can ask or think. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt, God does work in steps, he confirms His Word, and he will open the doors he wants opened.

At this moment we don’t know where it all will end, but we can rest in the comfort that God does have a plan and we are part of. He is for us, not against us.

So, I ask you, “What is impossible with God?” Nothing!

President’s Note: Chris and Stacy Waldmann are a blessing and inspiration to me. The fruit on their family tree is bountiful and their ministry unmistakable. Please pray with us that the Lord provides their family with everything they need to serve Him fully. What a remarkable testimony, don’t you think?