March 20, 2017 -
Encouragement...
The beginning of this past month was difficult as discouragement crept in. The enemy filled my head with lies about how language will never come and how my goal here is unattainable. However, our Father is faithful and He renewed my focus with a story I have read many times before. The story of Elizabeth and Zechariah from Luke 1 become so real to me as I read it last week.
The book of Luke tells us that Elizabeth and Zechariah walked blamelessly before the Father. Elizabeth was barren and they were both advanced in years. As Zechariah was performing his priestly duties an angel appeared to him and told him, “your pryer has been heard.” The angel told Zechariah he and his wife would have a son. The angel told Zechariah his son would prepare the way for the L0rd! As many of you know, the story (Luke 1) goes on as Zechariah is stricken mute because of his unbelief. Elizabeth conceives a baby boy who would grow up to become John the B@ptist and prepare the way!
As I read this story and some accompanying notes in my B!ble. The Father spoke to me about His timing. He showed me how Elizabeth was barren for all that time not because of anything she had done or didn’t do, but because the Father had a plan. The Father has a master plan; He has from the beginning. A plan to redeem His people back to himself. He knew exactly when Elizabeth’s womb would be opened. The Father opened her womb at the perfect time; the time that would bring Him the most glory. As I stated before the book of Luke states, “they walked blamelessly,” even in that period of waiting, which was difficult at times. Elizabeth even talks about the difficulty in verse 24: “when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.” Barrenness was a disgrace and I’m sure a heavy burden to bear for Elizabeth and Zechariah.
I was so encouraged during this season of language learning with this story. The Lord has a plan for my life and it is the plan that will give Him the most glory. I am trying my best to submit to it every day. It may take longer than I want it to, but I have to trust. I have to trust that He is opening my ears, my mind, and my mouth in His timing. But, also I must remember and take note from Elizabeth and Zechariah. They did not live their lives flippantly as they waited. They walked blamelessly before the Father and listened to His voice. As I meditated on this part of the story, the Father reminded me of a quote from our company president this past fall:
“Work Hard, Work Smart, and Leave the Results up to G0d!”
After all He knows what is best! I hope this story encourages you as much as it did me this past month.
I cannot thank you enough for intercession this past month. I am forever grateful for the time you have spent before the throne on behalf of my people and myself.
Requests:
- Pry for language learning classes and people to talk practice with everyday
- Pry for Mary, a National woman, a sharing stories with
- Pry for Jordan, a National man, who is seeking the Father and wants to know more
- Pry for my continual transition back to Nation
- Pry for my family back in the States as we all adjust to being apart
