Today(written January 19th on Facebook) has been a horrible day filled with strife, pain, uncertainty, tears, disappointment, health issues, fear, stress, and anxiety just to name a few things. It is all apart of culture stress, marriage and parenting growing pains, ministry growing pains, disappointment of the 125th negative pregnancy test in the last ten years, and doctor visits for potentially serious health issues. I know my God has it all under control and I have nothing to worry about, but I am moved by sight today. Yes, I know only I can change it and I will, but there is something else that I saw in me today.
Through the tears and in desperation I heard a voice cry out, "I just want to go home!" I then realized that the voice was my own. And thus the question, where is that exactly? I am presently in Guatemala because we as a family have decided to follow God and live life as He has purposed and planned for us to live it. We are not pursuing the American dream, we are living to serve and wanting to make a difference in our world for God. Seeking some geographical relief is not the answer, even my two youngest all on their own know that and are willing to be here for the sake of the many at the expense of themselves. I know that the closest thing to home is where I am with my husband and with my kids, where ever that may be on this planet. Moving is not what I long for. This Earth will never really be my home. Deep inside of me I long to be in the arms of my loving Father and to see my Jesus face to face. That is the home I long for. That is the home I live and die to see. This pain and frustration is but for a moment. In retrospect, soon and very soon I will be in the presence of the one I call my beloved. For tonight, I will just breath, close my eyes, and dance with and worship my Saviour.
I want to encourage you to get what you need in His presence right where you are now.
Since I wrote this a month and a half ago life has returned to normal and I am doing great again. Without the North American distractions and comforts of familiarity, things come to the surface and have to be dealt with. This is a benefit of missions even though painful at times. God has been faithful to encourage me through his Word and through brothers and sisters in Christ. Thank you dear friends for your support, direction, and prayers. I am up and running the race and looking forward to each and every day on the mission field. Jesus is the joy set before me as I run.
Here is my rhema word, my sword from the throne room of God. "For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says."
(Mark 11:23) I am believing and speaking what God has promised my family and I and I am expecting to reap a harvest. I am concentrating on intimacy with God and savoring my relationship with Him. I am guarding my heart and mind against thoughts that go against God's Word and resisting disappointment at all cost so not to delay or block God's blessings in my life. I am dreaming big because I know the mighty God I serve.
Thank you all so much for sharing this journey with us. I just want to encourage those of you who are in a trial right now. James 1:2-8 "2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." Persevere until the end that you may reap what has been promised to you. I am here if I can help in any way.
Your sister in Christ,
Chantelle
Missionaries in Action
SoZo Skate
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Sorry about the scrunched post. There is a problem and I don't know how to fix this. :o(
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