I am breaking the silence...
I have been unfaithful to this blog, and I want to apologize for my lack of communication. Putting details about my life on a public site has never been at the top of my priority list. But in light of God's work in my life over these past few months, I believe sharing these details will serve in bringing Him glory. And that is what the Christian life is all about.
I wish I was gifted in eloquent writing. It would make what I'm about to share a lot easier. But I ask that you bear with me as I try to gather my thoughts together in a way that best communicates the information I am about to share.
James 1:2-4 says, "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." -- A deeper understanding and application of this verse, along with so many more, has come with my walking through a trial. There are several of you who know what trial I am referring to. It has tested what I believe and the God in whom I have put my trust. But I am overjoyed to say that it has only brought me closer to the God that I love.
Months ago, when I first started planning this venture, a good friend and mentor of mine counseled me to brace myself for Satan's attack on my plans. She told me, he will see what I am trying to do for Christ as a threat and attempt to prevent me from going. From that day, I have prayed that God would give me endurance and strength to face any struggle I might come across. I have to say that the trial I am enduring is one I would never have expected. It has brought me to my knees and caused me to examine the life I was living for God. Is it authentic? Is it true? Do I believe the words of the Bible, or are they merely words that bring me comfort from time to time when I am struggling?
By God's grace he brought people into my life months ago that have helped me walk through this fire. I have had great support of friends and family. My church has been a rock and foundation for me to stand upon. I cannot describe enough the immense army God has encircled me with. Satan has not won in this venture! My plans to serve over in Brno, Czech Republic and Athens, Greece, are still in place.
Just as I quoted in the book of James, the steadfastness of this trial is having it's full affect. God has taught me so much about myself; how I emotionally respond to trials of this magnitude, and where my focus goes when in the midst of a set back. He has given me scripture to lean on, passages out of John 17, Proverbs 2 and Matthew 18. A wise person told me, if a life of ministry was something that I truly wanted to pursue, then I need to learn how to handle disappointment. Thousands of hours can be invested in projects that will ultimately fall through. People in whom I have invested my time, will walk away. But my response to God's sovereign choices is where God's glory is most majestically shown.
The trial continues on, but the flames of this fire are only refining my heart and my walk with the Lord. I look forward to updating you all again soon with more details about my trip. The date for my leave should be set in the next few days. Just so you all know. I have decided to leave in January instead of December. God has given me peace about it, and my hope is I will be stronger and more focused for the field.
Thanks for reading and I will be writing again soon.
Rachel
I have been unfaithful to this blog, and I want to apologize for my lack of communication. Putting details about my life on a public site has never been at the top of my priority list. But in light of God's work in my life over these past few months, I believe sharing these details will serve in bringing Him glory. And that is what the Christian life is all about.
I wish I was gifted in eloquent writing. It would make what I'm about to share a lot easier. But I ask that you bear with me as I try to gather my thoughts together in a way that best communicates the information I am about to share.
James 1:2-4 says, "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." -- A deeper understanding and application of this verse, along with so many more, has come with my walking through a trial. There are several of you who know what trial I am referring to. It has tested what I believe and the God in whom I have put my trust. But I am overjoyed to say that it has only brought me closer to the God that I love.
Months ago, when I first started planning this venture, a good friend and mentor of mine counseled me to brace myself for Satan's attack on my plans. She told me, he will see what I am trying to do for Christ as a threat and attempt to prevent me from going. From that day, I have prayed that God would give me endurance and strength to face any struggle I might come across. I have to say that the trial I am enduring is one I would never have expected. It has brought me to my knees and caused me to examine the life I was living for God. Is it authentic? Is it true? Do I believe the words of the Bible, or are they merely words that bring me comfort from time to time when I am struggling?
By God's grace he brought people into my life months ago that have helped me walk through this fire. I have had great support of friends and family. My church has been a rock and foundation for me to stand upon. I cannot describe enough the immense army God has encircled me with. Satan has not won in this venture! My plans to serve over in Brno, Czech Republic and Athens, Greece, are still in place.
Just as I quoted in the book of James, the steadfastness of this trial is having it's full affect. God has taught me so much about myself; how I emotionally respond to trials of this magnitude, and where my focus goes when in the midst of a set back. He has given me scripture to lean on, passages out of John 17, Proverbs 2 and Matthew 18. A wise person told me, if a life of ministry was something that I truly wanted to pursue, then I need to learn how to handle disappointment. Thousands of hours can be invested in projects that will ultimately fall through. People in whom I have invested my time, will walk away. But my response to God's sovereign choices is where God's glory is most majestically shown.
The trial continues on, but the flames of this fire are only refining my heart and my walk with the Lord. I look forward to updating you all again soon with more details about my trip. The date for my leave should be set in the next few days. Just so you all know. I have decided to leave in January instead of December. God has given me peace about it, and my hope is I will be stronger and more focused for the field.
Thanks for reading and I will be writing again soon.
Rachel
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