Unwelcome visitor.

James 1:2-3

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.

Psalm 119:140

Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and your servant loves them.

-----

Been meditating on these two verses.

This last week has been a huge emotional and sp'ritual struggle for me. Seeing Lily so steadfast has helped, but I still feel like I'm trudging through a desert, craving that single drop of water...just to fill me up for a little while.

I don't even know what it is. During our Monday devotionals at the Bless China International office, I shared that maybe it's due to my tunnel vision of seeing Father's "goal" for us @ GivingBackLife - a community center serving the physical and sp'ritual needs of marginalized people - yet not appreciating the journey of getting there. I just keep questioning, why am I here, what am I doing here, what is His purpose for me here?

As I meditate, I know my Father in He'ven is telling me to be patient. I know it with all my heart, but I don't want to believe it. I want to work. I want to get going. I want to just go out there and do something for Him. Though through all the noise, I know He is asking me to be still during this period..."Let me work in you first, then through you". I was reminded yesterday from a brother in Ch'st that this isn't a sprint; instead, it's a long long marathon. I was also reminded to not fall into the trap a lot of full-time m'ssionaries fall into, and that is to do do do do and focus only on results results results results. I was again, reminded, that J'sus plus anything, even Jesus plus a successful ministry, is not greater than J'sus himself.

I've also realized what David may have been trying to tell us through the Psalm above. It's not that His promises need our testing, but it's through these tests and trials that we (by the Grace of G'd) get to see His promises delivered. It is then that we become a walking testimony to His amazing goodness. It is then that we can point the finger at Him alone for being our strength in times of weakness. It is then that we can truly become a window for others to see Him.

Our Daily Bread today mentioned that, "Trials may visit us, but our G'd is always with us." Thank goodness. Pr'ying these unwelcome visitors leave very soon! :)

Looking up,

Dan

PS. Kingston and Fiona are doing well. Adjusting well. We do realize though they need more stimulation. Our small apartment is just not enough space. We're trying to do more things with them, including out of the home. However, we think it's probably time to put Kingston in a local school, to learn the language, but also meet some little friends! Kingston and Fiona miss their teachers and friends back at home @ Mini University. Here's a pic of them with sunglasses some of their teachers got them as a go-away gift. Kingston, especially, LOOOOOVES wearing it every time we go out!