I’d questioned myself and God about returning to Russia but as I sat across from Ksyuat, the retreat center, I knew I’d found the purpose.
We’d been preparing to return to Russia to host an English camp for twenty to thirty-year-olds and I was excited to be included.
They knew some English and we were going to use our platform to share the gospel while they practiced language skills.
As the time to leave approached, my fear increased … fear of death, imprisonment, and sickness. I still believed I was to go, though others said 'stay home.'
On Sunday I noticed a few hives and by Monday when we departed, I was a red, blotchy mess. Anxiety and fear caused these visible sores, but God would not let anything detract from His plan.
I was by myself, missing my family, physically hurting, and miserable.
On Sunday I noticed a few hives and by Monday when we departed, I was a red, blotchy mess. Anxiety and fear caused these visible sores, but God would not let anything detract from His plan.
I was by myself, missing my family, physically hurting, and miserable.
That’s when I saw Ksyu. She was sitting across the table from me … alone, quiet, and shy.
'Hey, I’m Cindy!' I said. She told me her name and we began talking.
'Do you have any hobbies?' I asked.
'I love to draw faces.'
'Would you draw mine?' I asked.
'Do you have any hobbies?' I asked.
'I love to draw faces.'
'Would you draw mine?' I asked.
I discovered in the next four hours that God’s power and presence are with us even in the silence.
We communicated between cultures, age barriers, and in the quietness of the moment. I saw the intensity in her hazel eyes as she studied my face. I prayed, silently.
We spent the next four days together in a small group setting. I was able to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with her.
After returning home, we communicated through Facebook.
We spent the next four days together in a small group setting. I was able to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with her.
After returning home, we communicated through Facebook.
God asks us to trust in Him even though our fears try to overshadow His mercy.
God’s direction is clear when our hearts are open to His will.
He never fails to guide and direct us when we trust.
This mission trip taught me about trusting and listening to His voice even when it didn’t make sense. The hives disappeared the day I came home.
Trust that He will direct your path. He will not fail you."
Trust that He will direct your path. He will not fail you."
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding and in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path." Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
Cindy O’Brien has several years of writing experience, including Society Editor for The Times Record.
Trial or Trust? – Cindy O’Brien May 8, 2013
Photo courtesy microsoft.com free image galleryCindy O’Brien has several years of writing experience, including Society Editor for The Times Record.
She also worked with writing and developing in the advertising department.
Cindy’s work with her church newsletter received statewide recognition, and she has written book reviews for Christian school publications.
Visit Cindy’s blog at cindyobrien78.blogspot.com.
Read Cindy’s devotions.
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Used by permission www.christiandevotions.us
Let’s pray: Father, when You urge us to reach out to folks with the gospel, help us trust Your Spirit to guide what we say. May we have discernment as to what should be said, and how it's to be said. We understand that the presentation of the message, both by our lives and words, has a big effect on the person we're speaking with. Your grace will prove sufficient every time! We pray this in the precious Name of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen
Today’s Bible verse: Ps. 5:12 "For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield."
Today’s quotes: Mary Southerland – “Just as God chose Gideon, He has chosen you. Just as
God equipped and empowered Gideon, he will equip and empower you. Just
surrender.”
Lil Duncan – “You may not be able to do much about the battle of the physical world. Sometimes you can, but there are times, it is what it is and you can’t change it. God does not leave us defenseless. He gives us mighty weapons. Take up your spiritual weapons and gird yourself with His armor. He will lead you to victory.” Eph. 6:11-17
Lil Duncan – “You may not be able to do much about the battle of the physical world. Sometimes you can, but there are times, it is what it is and you can’t change it. God does not leave us defenseless. He gives us mighty weapons. Take up your spiritual weapons and gird yourself with His armor. He will lead you to victory.” Eph. 6:11-17
Our thoughts today: Christ gives us His commandments on how to think. He brings a whole new set of reactions for us. He builds in us how to react. Remember, you become what you look at and worship.
-When you’re tempted to return to a bad attitude, walk in the will of God for you and show love.
-Become God’s messenger to your world.
-When you’re tempted to return to a bad attitude, walk in the will of God for you and show love.
-Become God’s messenger to your world.
Tomorrow’s post: #17 The Gift of Exorcism C. Peter Wagner
A popular post: MAKING MY HEART SIT DOWN We not only need to view time as an eternal investment, but as an immediate one as well.
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Granny's Guide to Marriage in Verse Author: Jean Oathout About the book: In this powerfully moving devotional, poet Jean Oathout reveals God's hidden wisdom for marriage. Compiled in lyrical verse, these insightful poems provide scriptural advice, practical applications and prayerful guidance for women seeking the heart of God. Granny’s Guide to Marriage in Verse: Wisdom for Brides offers time-honored tips for building a successful marriage. Learn how to love and support your mate through godly wisdom and spiritual resolve. Readers will be encouraged, challenged, and blessed. |
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1938499999/ Link to Granny’s Guide to Marriage in
Verse my book with new title and cover for women contemplating
marriage.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DP77URG/ Kindle addition
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