Tuesday, June 3, 2008

I think we are leaving the desert

 I feel like over the last two weeks we have been left in the desert.   Everyone else is moving on and we are at a standstill.  I realize it has only been 14 days, but when God places a call on your life,  life feels incomplete without being able to get to what he has called  you to.  I am imagine wondering in the desert would be really wearisome very quickly.  Some would even question whether or not we could even really call this 'the desert'.   The Israelites were in the desert for 40 years.  But, it's my blog and I can call the last 2 weeks or 2 years whatever I want to call them!!:-)  Since this whole process began 2 1/2 years ago, so I am sure one could understand the desert analogy.  By the way, I'd much rather talking about dessert!  Why are the spellings to close to one another.... they are vastly different???!!


Anyway,
 
Since last week, we have spent much time in prayer over this situation and over this child.  We have fasted.  We have called on others to pray for us.  We have asked for and received counsel.  

The Lord has been teaching me the last year the value of speaking his would out loud.  If you think about it, it makes perfect sense.  The Bible talks about our battle not being against flesh and blood but against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12).  God tells us that our only offensive weapon is His word (Ephesians 6:17 and Hebrews 4:12).  When Jesus was tempted in the desert for 40 days, he used scripture to fight Satan.  Remember Jesus always says, "It is written....."  I don't believe Satan can read our minds.  So, it would stand to reason that when we are faced with battles, we are to fight the same way.  As Christians, shouldn't we emulate the life of Christ??

So, Sunday night I looked up verses on spiritual warfare and the authority of the believer.  Here are some examples.

Psalm 6:8-10
 Away from me, all you who do evil,
for the Lord has heard my weeping.
The Lord has heard my cry for mercy;
the Lord accepts my prayer.
All my enemies will be ashamed and dismayed;
they will turn back in sudden disgrace.


Matthew 18:18 - "Surely I [Jesus] say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven"



 I then read and prayed those verses out loud.  From here, I have had to leave the situation in God's hands.

Today, I believe it became very clear what we are to do.  After "trying on the decision" (something our agency suggested we do) (how great is it that we have believers working at our agency giving us advice?) and after speaking with the executive director/CEO of our agency, we made a decision and we are at perfect peace

Right now, I do not feel at liberty to speak freely about the decision.  However, I don't think it will be long before I can share.  We had some questions so they were sending those questions to the 'powers that be' in China.  We are anticipating some answers tomorrow.  At that time, I will ask what I can share.

Until then, please continue to pray for us.  I think that is the reason we can sit here tonight in peace.

6 comments:

Tony and Rett said...

April and family,

I will certainly keep praying for you.

Praise God for His faithfulness and His word!

Unknown said...

WE LOVE YOU!!! Our whole family is continuing to lift you all up in prayer ((HUGS))

Sinthea said...

Many prayers, April. God is good and He has the perfect plan for you! ..... Sinthea, Mom to Kimberli Jane, Shanxi Province and SB

Sharon said...

I have been thinking about you and hoping you are okay.

Shawnstribe said...

From the UK our prayers are with youx x xx x xx
He will keep you in perfect peace
love
Shawn

Christy said...

I have been thinking about you and your situation and I hope things are getting better. Your friend from RQ, Christy