This week has been another great one here in Uganda so far! God is really working in our hearts! Monday was a bit rough for me (Rachel) as I once again began having intense feelings of homesickness. In class we discussed idols, and it was at that point that I realized that I was holding my family, home, and all that was familiar to me as an idol. I was allowing my feelings to be at home control me rather than the knowledge that God has called me here for this appointed time. It was a very difficult thing. I had never felt such a real struggle between my flesh and my spirit as I did that day. Finally after much arguing in my heart I submitted my heart to God's will. Just as I am reading back through the last couple of sentences, it does not convey the intensity of what was going on in my heart! I guess I really cannot put it into words! Tuesday was another hard but glorious day!
In class we discussed FEAR. In the fallen world we are controlled by fear and every fear (except a reverant fear of God) is founded on lies of Satan! We spent about 15 minutes in prayer individually begging God to reveal our fears to us. BOY did HE! He revealed many things to me but the one thing that really struck me that my homesickness was being caused by a fear of missing out on things at home (even the boring everyday occurences). When I dug deeper, God revealed that this fear was based on the same lie that Satan told Eve in the garden which is basically that "God is holding out on you". WOW! When I made this connection in my heart and mind a rush of emotion came over me! I was angry that I had believed such a lie, excited to be set free from the bondage that lie and fear was holding me in, and in awe of our great God! There are still twinges of ache in my heart and longing for home, but now when those things arise and I can combat them with TRUTH from God's word rather than simply believe the lies and allow fear to once again enslave me! This has truly been a freeing experience! I told Mike last night that I do not know if I have ever felt so free from the bonds of Satan as I do now! Facing your fears is scary and something that I did not want to do, but now I see just how important it is to be honest with yourself and with God about your deepest fears and their roots!
Amen!
I (Mike) am so happy for what God is doing in our hearts. It was so hard seeing Rachel battle like she did. I didn't think I could be the man that she needed in those times of intense stuggle. But by the grace of God and much battle against my own flesh the Lord spoke through me His love and truth to her. I was changed through Him doing this. I am now able to see how God's powerful Words really cut and heal, like a surgeons scalpal, not like a knife.
In class we have been looking at Worldview. Worldview is the lens by which peolpe interpret life and reality. It is shocking to see how much the church has been influenced by the fallen worldview of our Western culture. I mean, even the most conservative churches are influenced by the fallen man-centered worldview. I am so thankful for the Gospel to confront us in our worldview. The Gospel is the answer to this problem.
4tg (For the Gospel),
Michael and Rachel
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We are so glad to hear of spiritual battles being won in your own hearts! May God continue to bless you! Jay, Holly, AJ, and Hudson
ReplyDeletePraise God! Praise Him for His wonderful works to the children of men! He is preparing you two to minister the Gospel in His Name. Abba Father!
ReplyDeleteluvu, Gran
beautiful thoughts. may his grace continue to bring you closer to each other and to himself throughout the remainder of your time there.
ReplyDeleteAwesome.
ReplyDeleteRachel, your words of how God is enabling you to break through your fears is truly awesome. I wish I could be with you both and go through this spiritual step with you. "Faithful is He who has called you who also will do it!" I miss you both dearly. May God continue to shed grace on you.
Grace and Peace,
Scott