Last night I was sharing with my teammate, Betsy, the marvel of the work God has been doing in my heart. I began by explaining each month/country I seem to have a word that foreshadows (and eventually summarizes) the place God is going to walk me through for that month. I don’t know if it’s by His divine Spirit that I know the word, or if by prayer and petition He is honoring my desire for His Holy restoration and transformation. Either option showcases His faithfulness and love.
Typically the theme of each month is trying, uncomfortable, and not my natural response. But by the Lord’s grace, tender correction, and Spirit, at the end of each month I am able to rejoice in the richness of walking more intimately and obediently with Him.
Here’s a recap of the last 6 months:
Month 1: El Salvador– Faith
Month 2: Guatemala – Trust
Month 3: Honduras – Grace
Month 4: Nicaragua – Humility
Month 5: Panama – Love
Month 6: Colombia – Perseverance
As you can see last month was perseverance. The New Oxford American Dictionary defines perseverance as the “steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success”. After more searching and reading I decided to create my own definition: continuing in a trying course of action in the absence of hope with a belief of the promises yet to come.
With belief being of the mind and hope of the heart, the absence of the latter created a dark, ugly, dismal place for my being. For three weeks I was trudging in that place: my actions and words a reflection of anger and frustration and my thoughts tainted by the breath of the one who aims to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). Judgment attempted to pierce me in all directions. Yet by the grace of God it missed.
Because of these promises:
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36
These words percolated my brain and sustained me when I didn’t feel free and others didn’t believe me as if I was free. Thankfully, our feelings and the comments of others don’t claim who or what we are.For Christ left us with a helper who is with us and lives in us forever – speaking to us word of truth even when we can’t. His Spirit reminds us of all the things Jesus said (John 14:15-17, 26).
For he said, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. Then you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31-32).
Many times in the Christian world I see verse 32 displayed (the highlighted above). Yes we will be free by the power of the truth, but isn’t it a continuation and second breath of what Jesus said first?… if you abide in my word…. It’s an ‘if and then’ statement. Do this first; then this will follow. Abide (accept, or act in accordance) with his word. A life of abundance has been promised to follow.
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Don’t give up in the hopeless places. Jesus came for freedom. You are no longer condemned. You are no longer a slave to sin. You are set free.
I am set free.
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Wondering what this month in Ecuador will look like for me? Check out Psalm 30: The Blessedness of Answered Prayer.
For his anger is but for a moment
His favor is for life,
Weeping may endure for a night,
But JOY comes in the morning.
