Encouragement

"As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you. Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!" 2 Corinthians 9:13-15

God has put me on a journey, one that I never, specifically, asked for, one that I never thought would occur. Definitely one that I'm not always comfortable with either. I've been blessed with this awesome opportunity to do ministry where I'm at and its hard for me. But God has called me to do it and who am I to turn it down?

In September (2011) I prayed at our College Group Retreat (One Day) that God would put me in situations where I had no choice but to trust and faith in Him. October (2011) two missionaries came to our front door and my faith was tested. My faith has been questioned, has been ridiculed, has been twisted and much more by these missionaries and I still stand firm in what I believe, even more so than ever.

Like I've said, it's hard. I have to fully put my trust in God every time I go to work in this ministry and its definitely a battlefield. When I tell people the ministry God has brought to my attention, some think I've lost my mind, some think I'm playing with fire and sadly, only a handful have been supportive. I didn't ask for this and I'm not seeking acceptance from people. My acceptance comes from Christ. All I ask is for encouragement because this is hard for me. Its hard going out talking about my faith to people who think I am of the Anti-Christ and who can refute my argument five different ways.

I know what I'm doing is dangerous, but God never said His tasks would be easy. I'm dealing with a tough semester and tougher conversations with the Missionaries I've been meeting with. But I have faith in God and that He will shine His light through me and Austin. He's at work in our lives and these missionaries lives. I know that God is doing a work here and it starts with willing servants of God to pick up that cross and follow after Jesus.

Our crosses aren't easy to bear and we stumble often when the cross seems too heavy. But Austin and I believe that we have a Heavenly Father who will lighten our load when we come to Him to find rest. God has continued to encourage us in these meetings, through His word, our friends and even our Pastor here in Humboldt.

The verse I shared earlier came to me tonight as I had my time with God and this verse struck me. The chapter talked about farmers and their crops. If a farmer sows only a little bit of seeds then the harvest will be small. But the farmer that plants a generous amount of seeds will receive a generous harvest. God uses us every day and every day we have the opportunity to plant seeds in other people's lives and we do what we can to abide by God's plans for us. God has called me to plant seeds in these missionaries lives. I can't guarantee that these meetings will result in a large harvest, but He has called me to meet with these missionaries to set an example, to reach out and to love them regardless of what they believe. It's been such an amazing experience so far and I wish to continue meeting with them to spread the Good News and Love that comes from our Heavenly Father.

All I ask, is for encouragement and prayer. I know what I'm doing is dangerous. I know what I'm doing is hard and like walking into a lion's den. But God never said it would be easy. God prevails and He still remains number one in my heart. I will follow where He leads me.