It seemed that every speck of hope that I was holding onto had fluttered away. Hundreds of horrible, discouraging thoughts from the enemy of my soul flooded into my mind.
"You're not any good to anyone (as in the Karen people) because you can't speak the language very well. You're wasting time and energy here. You might as well give up because you could do better work somewhere else where you could communicate with the people a lot better....." It was like I was in a dark room surrounded on every side by a thick, impregnable wall.
The difficulties of communicating very well with our beloved Karen in their language seemed to be taking WAY TOO LONG to break down. After all, I've been here for nearly 3 years.
That evening, I shared my broken, crushed heart with my sister. As we sat on the road, she encouraged me and prayed for me.
She asked me if I had thanked God for how much I can speak and for the little and big progresses that I make each day. And if I had thanked God for His help.
The sad realization hit me hard that I hadn't thought very often about thanking Him. It was pretty rare that I ever did.
She encouraged me to form a habit of thanking Him often.
During that time, I was transformed from a despairing heart to a grateful heart.
That night, I learned a lesson on gratitude that I'm determined to never forget.
I hadn't been thanking and praising God enough.
To live a life in constant gratitude and praise to my Commissioner who has sent me. And I want to tell you that it is only than that he can fill you with the peace that can withhold through any impregnable "wall" in life--or more specifically in these surroundings, the foreign mission field.
You may have some difficult challenges in your life right now, too. Remember there is One that you can call on who has the power to conquer them. Perhaps His lesson for you is the same as it was for me--having a heart of constant gratitude.
"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."
~1 Thessalonians 5:18~
"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
~Philippians 4:6-7~
Sharon, have you ever seriously considered the "ABC's of prayer? Whenever we have a PROMISE from God for something we need and/or want, we can have a little more confidence than if we didn't have a promise.
ReplyDeleteWe can take the promise and (A) ask God to do what He has promised. We can choose to (B) believe that we receive the answer NOW (Mark 11:24)--just like if I give you a check for you birthday. You are happy you have the "money" because you don't think my check will bounce. Then you can (C) claim the promise by THANKING God for the answer even before you SEE the answer develop.
The ABC's help me to have peace of mind, Sharon. If we have God's promise it is (in a way) as good as having the ANSWER. We can rest in Him that just when we need it most, He will come thru for us.
Love you! Grandma Steck