Last week I was studying through Genesis and I was just really encouraged to be reminded of the story of Joseph. He is such an amazing example of someone who faithfully followed the Lord. Something that I really felt like I could apply to my life and the ministry in Ukraine was the fact that he went through so many trails and hardships before the Lord revealed the purpose of it all. From being sold into slavery, being imprisoned, and temptations along the way, Joseph stood faithful in the Lord.
Thirteen years from his brothers selling him into slavery until he stood before Pharaoh and being appointed a high position in the Egyptian government. Can you imagine? Thirteen years of hardships, not understanding what God was doing, but still staying faithful.
I don't see the full picture of what God is doing in Ukraine. I doubt I even understand 10% of what God is doing here. But just because we don't see the big picture or the end result, doesn't mean that we have an excuse to not be steadfast in the Lord.
Emily and I are at thirteen months in Ukraine (compared to Joseph's thirteen years). I'm just encouraged by God's Word and God's faithfulness. We don't need all the answers or reasons to continue moving forward in serving him. It took Joseph thirteen years before he understood what God was doing with his life. That's a long time, but God hasn't called his children to understand, He has called us to have faith in Him.
Our desire is to just keeping walking in that faith, with the assurance that God is taking care of business. And in the end, it is not in us, but in God that His purpose will be accomplished.
I'm writing this because I'm really excited about what God has brought us through this past year as we've been in Ukraine. And I'm really excited to see the reasons why He took us through some hardships. He's brought us through a lot, but the past doesn't matter unless we apply what we've learned and gone through to the here and now. How are we abiding in God now? Looking back and learning from what we've gone through is helpful, but what God has for us now is what really matters.
So what's happening now? This Sunday will be our first Bible study/fellowship in Donetsk. We know that the Lord called us here to plant a church, and we are blown away by how quickly everything is happening. It is totally the Lord! We still have so many details to work out, but we are stepping out in faith and following the Lord's leading. Please join us in prayer for our first service this Sunday.
Prayer needs:
-We're meeting in our apartment, but we are searching for an office space in the center for the church. Pray that the Lord provides this soon.
-A translator. Only English speakers will be attending this week, but we need a translator soon so that people who don't speak English can join us.
-Preparation. We'll be studying the book of Acts. Pray for Byron as he studies. Pray for Emily as she prepares the worship, that the Spirit leads her in choosing songs to play.
-The people. An international student that we've met is committed to join us. We've also invited a few other people we've met this past month. Pray that the Lord prepares hearts to hear from Him.
Thirteen years from his brothers selling him into slavery until he stood before Pharaoh and being appointed a high position in the Egyptian government. Can you imagine? Thirteen years of hardships, not understanding what God was doing, but still staying faithful.
I don't see the full picture of what God is doing in Ukraine. I doubt I even understand 10% of what God is doing here. But just because we don't see the big picture or the end result, doesn't mean that we have an excuse to not be steadfast in the Lord.
Emily and I are at thirteen months in Ukraine (compared to Joseph's thirteen years). I'm just encouraged by God's Word and God's faithfulness. We don't need all the answers or reasons to continue moving forward in serving him. It took Joseph thirteen years before he understood what God was doing with his life. That's a long time, but God hasn't called his children to understand, He has called us to have faith in Him.
Our desire is to just keeping walking in that faith, with the assurance that God is taking care of business. And in the end, it is not in us, but in God that His purpose will be accomplished.
I'm writing this because I'm really excited about what God has brought us through this past year as we've been in Ukraine. And I'm really excited to see the reasons why He took us through some hardships. He's brought us through a lot, but the past doesn't matter unless we apply what we've learned and gone through to the here and now. How are we abiding in God now? Looking back and learning from what we've gone through is helpful, but what God has for us now is what really matters.
So what's happening now? This Sunday will be our first Bible study/fellowship in Donetsk. We know that the Lord called us here to plant a church, and we are blown away by how quickly everything is happening. It is totally the Lord! We still have so many details to work out, but we are stepping out in faith and following the Lord's leading. Please join us in prayer for our first service this Sunday.
Prayer needs:
-We're meeting in our apartment, but we are searching for an office space in the center for the church. Pray that the Lord provides this soon.
-A translator. Only English speakers will be attending this week, but we need a translator soon so that people who don't speak English can join us.
-Preparation. We'll be studying the book of Acts. Pray for Byron as he studies. Pray for Emily as she prepares the worship, that the Spirit leads her in choosing songs to play.
-The people. An international student that we've met is committed to join us. We've also invited a few other people we've met this past month. Pray that the Lord prepares hearts to hear from Him.
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