This month in Laos was full of excitement, revelation….and bricks. We worked in construction this month. We made the foundation of a house and pressed bricks. We built this house in hopes of an underground church being built there in the future as well. The family we were helping are Christians. The men we worked alongside are too and each person had a story.
Laos is a closed country. Christian persecution is common and severe. One of our fellow brothers was just released from a 5 year prison sentence for preaching in the streets. Another brother was kicked out of his village and left with nothing for even just claiming Christianity. Two of our host’s family members are currently hiding from arrest warrants of 3-5 years in prison for praying for people in public. That is what is going on in Laos. These brothers and sisters are more than happy to lose what I would consider “everything” for the sake of Christ—for the sake of saving one soul for Jesus. Yet here I am, complaining and carelessly living my life for myself—emotionallly, physically, economically. I’m living like I don’t have a Father in heaven orchestrating things for my own good. Poverty is not just physical and a poverty mindset is not just situational.
These Lao brothers and sisters were teaching me through their stories. Their kind of love and trust in the Lord is both convicting and encouraging. They don’t fear the persecution of man in whatever form it comes. Or maybe they still have that fear and have to choose to love generously? I think that confidence comes from the realization of who God is and who they are because of that. The way they love God and the people around them is radical. But that radical, abnormal, illogical love is something that God has for us everyday. We can be confident in that.
God also provides and protects–those are literally two of His names. Maybe not in the way that we may like but how wonderful that He knows what we need in the exact moment we need it. My fears of not being provided for, not doing enough, and not being enough are things that I don’t have to carry with me—and I don’t want them.
What does it look like to live like a daughter of The Most High King?
What does it look like to truly trust that He is good?
What does it look like to live with open hands?
Friends, what I’m envisioning is glorious and God-glorifying. It looks like loving people and not expecting things in return. It looks like living in freedom and peace. It looks like letting go of control and taking a hold of His promises—to prosper you, to refine you, to hold you, to love you.
Acts 14:16-17
We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them.
In the past, he let all nations go their own way.Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.”
Update: I am fully funded for the World Race! If you would like to donate, please do so on my VENMO account @EstherWorldRace
