I have often heard that if we knew everything we had to go through to get to where God wants us, we wouldn’t do it…it would seem like too big of a fight. As I sit here, nearing the end of the month of Moldova, I can see how very real that statement is. If I could have seen the battles this month would present, I don’t know that I would have said yes.
I don’t say that as a wish that I wasn’t here…I feel privileged to have been placed here, but this month has been a fight. I’ve gone through times of missing home hard. I’ve gone through times of fear. I’ve gone through times of irritation. I’ve gone through times of exhaustion. But despite all of that, I’ve also had joy…not happiness, but deep joy that comes from God. I understand what Nehemiah meant when he said the joy of the Lord is our strength.
This month, my team has stood in the middle of spiritual warfare. We have seen what demonic activity produces in others, and we have felt what it can do to us. We have gathered in a room and prayed only to later find out that demons called us out in another room. We have seen the power of prayer at work. We have declared scripture because we find confidence in God’s Word. We have worshipped knowing that God inhabits the praises of His people, and when perfect love shows up He drives out fear. We have waved flags, not because they are beautiful, but because they are weapons.
Something you learn quickly on the Race is that God will root you in places you never expected. He will give you contacts that you don’t agree with, ministries you don’t think are fruitful, and situations that are hard. But he will remain with you throughout it all…that’s a promise. And you discover that it’s worth it because it’s part of the journey to everything God has for you.
I have heard the enemy speak. I have heard the lies he plants in my mind. I have experienced the fear he provokes, and I have understood the reality that he wages war against those who counter his plans.
But I have also heard God speak life to my heart. I have heard His truth, and He has filled my mind with His words and promises. I have experienced the complete peace that comes from His presence, and I have understood the reality that He has already won the war waged against His kids.
It’s possible that I would have hesitated stepping into this month, but being in the middle of it, I can say that I wouldn’t trade it for anything. It’s exactly where God wants me, and the battles are only making me stronger.
“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.” 2 Corinthians 4:8-10
