Beloved family and friends, we have made a commitment to walk along this journey together. And I am ever so grateful for your love and support and faithfulness to that commitment. You had been asked to intensify your prayers during this time and with that request came a lot of questions and concerns. Many of you have contacted me and/or my family to get details on what’s going on. In honoring the commitment we have made, I want to give you an update on me and specifics on what to be in prayer about as our time here among these people quickly comes to an end. My hope is to cease all questions and calm all concerns.
Let me start off by assuring you that I am fine, and it is not because I am strong. But rather because He is good. I am exactly where I need to be, doing exactly what I have been called to do, learning exactly what I need to learn. Is that always easy? Of course not. Is that always pleasant? Of course not. Have I been and am I being, as you have heard, broken? Yes, of course. But we know that the state of complete brokenness is oft times the most rewarding place to be.
God has yanked away all my hope, stripped away all my joy, and destroyed all my peace! Isn’t He perfect! Does this not sound like the characteristics of the God we have come to know and love? Of course it does. God will never stand by and allow us to draw from another source. He is determined to bring us to a place where he is more than enough. It is an exchange of what we have placed our hope in, what has become our source of joy and peace, for him…his hope, his joy, his peace. And while it is often painful and a difficult place to be at the time, it is a beautiful exchange.
It has been said, “he’s not always safe, but he is good.” Beloved, He is good! ”I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:13-14.
Thanks you so much for your prayers. I’m asking you not to intensify your prayers for me but rather for the work that we have graciously been allowed to be a part of. There is a lot going on here, and God is moving mightily in this place and among these people. My mom has and will continue to receive emails of specific requests for the people and the needs here. She reports these request back to Bibles Chapel. You will not find these on facebook or my blog, however if you attend a different fellowship and would like this information you can email me or her and we will forward you a copy.
Blessings,
Jill
