"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God... to stand firm" (Ephesians 6:12-13, NASB).
Returning to Spokane has lifted a burden of oppression I had not known before the past six months. I had heard that spiritual warfare seems stronger and more recognized in overseas work, but I had no idea what that looked like a year ago. As long as the prince of this world remains active in his attacks, until Jesus does come again, we must follow the instruction of putting on the Armor wherever we go in all we do. I want to share with you how He preserved me in the front of the battlefield, and how we can be praying for those brothers and sisters on duty (Romans 15:30-33).
In the first month of my time in India, I found myself in a battle for Faith against temptation to get on a plane to run away to home. It was more than I could handle alone; thankfully, I had Our Father on my side, and many of you praying fervently on my behalf. I was miserably homesick, and felt completely backed into a corner at times because of language, culture, living conditions, overwhelming poverty, lack of experience and much more. It was a daily battle to live Believing and Surrendering to the One who works all things together for Good (Romans 8:28). Our God is always at Work far beyond what we can see, and even in this He was teaching me, changing me and touching those around me. I was so blessed to be used despite of my great weaknesses, and to see His hand in every detail of the past year.
Many of you probably know India is about 80% Hindu, and less than 3% Christian. The idolatry you see every day, and the devastating results of cultural beliefs of caste and lifestyle break my heart. Even some of the staff I worked with claim to be Cs, but in fact, they still worship their own false gods. In my last week there, events took place that made their pluaralism all the more obvious. While it came a bit of a shock to me, I was more prepared to fight to the finish, seeing all the more ways I can continue to pray for His work in this nation I love and the great need for His laborers.
I challenge you all to fight for faith daily here on the home front, never ceasing to pray for those on the front-lines of battle, and should He call you to go to the front lines, please remember these words from a faithful Servant of His that loved India better than I have yet:
"We follow a stripped and crucified Savior... Dear, you are coming to a battlefield. You cannot spend too much time with Him alone." As quoted in Elizabeths Elliot's account of Amy Carmichael's life in A Chance to Die.
Secondly, if you have not already, I urge you to meditate and memorize the following verse, and any others that have encouraged you, for you will need them on the battlefield wherever you are:
"‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty." Zech 4:6b
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
To whom much is given...
From the first week to my final days in India I was aware of the numerous comforts I have taken for granted. Most of these would be considered necessities to the majority of us in North America, while in poorer parts of India they might be viewed as comforts perhaps occasionally to be enjoyed and always gratefully received.
All the numbers of things I have taken and easily will take for granted again:
-Water: having it at all, warm or hot water, clean water, drinking water.
-Electricity, light, warmth, shelter, safety and security.
-Health, nutrition, balanced diet options, food! Meat, cheese, fresh vegetables and fruit!
-Family, friends, a home church, fellowship, others to edify, encourage, and disciple me throughout my life. A Christian Community, family, school, and circle of friends. The ability to call up a friend when I am having a bad day or a good one!
The last one listed above probably was the hardest for me to learn to live without at times when phone service or internet were unavailable. Those who know me well know how I hold on to people, and I have a very difficult time letting them go when a season for friendship ends or circumstances direct us apart. "To whom much is given, much is required." These words echoed in my mind day after day as I poured out my heart to God and sought His fellowship all the more. I was blessed to learn to depend on God for fellowship as I never had before, and to eventually form some friendships with those around me.
What He removed or withheld from me in those six months cannot compare with what countless go without in this world; yet, because of what I have grown to live with, I had to learn to live without. At times I felt so overwhelmed by the needs around me-some only seen from a distance, others voiced out loud or in mute gestures-that I felt I could not carry the weight. Once again, I learned to rely on Him as never before and lift each one my eyes fell on up to Him. There are a number of people living in India who do not have the luxury of any of the items listed above, and I was only without some of these for brief hours or days at a time in the past six months. I hope I will never stop being thankful for all I have been given, every minute of every day I have to walk in fellowship with my Lord and Maker, and every gift He gives for every season. May He continue to create in me a willing heart to surrender every gift He gives and to learn to share it with the very "least of these."
All the numbers of things I have taken and easily will take for granted again:
-Water: having it at all, warm or hot water, clean water, drinking water.
-Electricity, light, warmth, shelter, safety and security.
-Health, nutrition, balanced diet options, food! Meat, cheese, fresh vegetables and fruit!
-Family, friends, a home church, fellowship, others to edify, encourage, and disciple me throughout my life. A Christian Community, family, school, and circle of friends. The ability to call up a friend when I am having a bad day or a good one!
The last one listed above probably was the hardest for me to learn to live without at times when phone service or internet were unavailable. Those who know me well know how I hold on to people, and I have a very difficult time letting them go when a season for friendship ends or circumstances direct us apart. "To whom much is given, much is required." These words echoed in my mind day after day as I poured out my heart to God and sought His fellowship all the more. I was blessed to learn to depend on God for fellowship as I never had before, and to eventually form some friendships with those around me.
What He removed or withheld from me in those six months cannot compare with what countless go without in this world; yet, because of what I have grown to live with, I had to learn to live without. At times I felt so overwhelmed by the needs around me-some only seen from a distance, others voiced out loud or in mute gestures-that I felt I could not carry the weight. Once again, I learned to rely on Him as never before and lift each one my eyes fell on up to Him. There are a number of people living in India who do not have the luxury of any of the items listed above, and I was only without some of these for brief hours or days at a time in the past six months. I hope I will never stop being thankful for all I have been given, every minute of every day I have to walk in fellowship with my Lord and Maker, and every gift He gives for every season. May He continue to create in me a willing heart to surrender every gift He gives and to learn to share it with the very "least of these."
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