It has been a bit of a discouraging week. Fevers have kept us home and Peter unable to work. When he is sick it increases my workload. It make him feel bad and make me a little grumpy and tired!
He was writing and when I came in from gardening I found this on the computer. I thought it was interesting. He is worried about me posting it because it seems a little bleak, but it is honest and from his heart. God will do what He pleases both with us, Mongolia and you.
I have faith that God wants us in Selenge, Mongolia. I have faith that He wants my children to grow up here and experience His creation in a way different from their American peers. I have faith that He wants my wife to struggle with the unbelievable difficulty of loneliness and extremes that Mongolia brings. I have faith He wants me to labor in this language so I can communicate His truth more clearly and deeply. I have faith that we as a family have to labor for the cause of Christ, His church, which He will establish.
I believe that God wants us to toil in the same ground as our Mongolian neighbors, to suffer the same sicknesses, and to endure the harassment of the same police and government officials. He wants us to experience the freeze that shows His power over creation is mighty, and the heat that makes us yearn to be in the river He created, so we can experience relief from His awesome sun. In as many ways as we can to identify with their life so that some might see Christ in us, instead of an American. May our resources seem more spiritual than monetary as we live.
I know that we have an enemy. He is unseen and his droves of demons are in constant wait for destroy Christ’s work. They are my enemies because they are His enemies. Their weapons are temptations. The temptations are to turn from the call, because it is just too hard; to turn to pleasure because life is so un-enjoyable; to stop pursuing success, because the fruit is so limited; to burn with anger at God, because the injustices seem so great. But we can overcome these, simply with our faith, the truth, the Spirit, righteousness, and the gospel. We can overcome these.
I believe God has a plan for this sacrifice we’ve chosen to make, a plan that begins with our neighbors and extends to the new believer in a church that supports us. It includes our siblings and our parents. It is a plan that is so much broader than I can fathom. Therefore, I just have faith that today’s small and seemingly insignificant acts of obedience will bring forth His Kingdom, in His time.
7 comments:
Thank you, Peter and Becca, for sharing your heart. I know many of the struggles you face, and I am thankful to God that I have been able to experience a few of them with you and that He is using you in many ways to minister to many varieties of people. I have seen the concious effort to show love and Christ in many ways--even in things that many would see as seemingly insignificant decisions that you make every day.
I want to encourage you and tell you that I have faith with you that God is making a difference in Mongolia and that He is orchestrating all of our lives together to reach His loved and cherished people all over the world and to build in each of us the character He wants us to have.
It is very difficult to have this faith sometimes. There are so many desires and dreams that we have as a family and as individuals that will never be because of this calling, but it IS TRUE that "...we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."
God is working for our good. He is working for His purpose for and through us. Never lose faith!
I love you.
Dear Peter and Becca,
As I read this today, I cried. I cry because for the first time I feel like I see the struggles of your heart. That obedience to our Savior is hard. It is labor and it costs us everything when we start to see that when we die to ourself it is painful. The longer I walk with Him I'm starting to understand that when he allows brokenness He is doing a great work in our hearts. Sometimes it's the only time we truly get that without Him we can do nothing.
I'm humbled at your honesty and you have challenged me in many ways. You and Becca continue teaching me on what it means to trust and obey. The world pulls on all of us, we want to hang on to the things we think bring us happiness but only Jesus fulfills our empty hearts.
It's a daily struggle to empty ourself and allow Him to come and abide and make us more into His image each day.
I have faith too that you are where you are suppose to be and doing His Work for His Kingdom! I have faith too that through sickness, loneliness, and toil and your struggle to communicate is His work to make you both completely dependent upon Him and His strength and wisdom and power.
We all stand with you in prayer! I do believe He has a great plans for the Mongolians because of your faithfulness to Him.
It is painful for us to have you so far away and I know much more painful for you and Becca. But don't grow weary in well doing you will reap a harvest for Christ! I know you will persevere.
I just want to say thank you for opening up your heart and sharing your heart. It has given me much to think and pray about. It will continue to bring me to His Throne of grace on your behalf.
We are all so proud and our hearts are with you all and we have faith that He has great plans for you and your family.
We love you as big as everything!
Love Mom and Dad Hurley
Hi! Thanks for your thoughts and replies. I really appreciate your thoughts and prayers! I love you both, Becca
Well I think Megan and Mom have said it best. Can I just say "ditto"? :) IN all seriousness, thanks for the insight. I really really enjoy when you both give a real sense of what's going on over there. As one of the family members who has not seen your life first hand, it's nice to hear about it from the horses mouth (so to speak).
You know what's great about opening up and allowing us all to hear your frustrations? You unleash a whole lot of heavenly prayers that may have otherwise not been uttered. awesome.
Peter, I love you. Thank you for sharing.
Peter and Becca,
Thank you for sharing some real "heartfelt aches". I know that I feel my lowest when I am sick. Peter I know you have been miserable with this illness--I saw it and heard it myself. But your attitude of claiming faith is what God is pleased with. That glorifies Him! God Bless You both! I know God is holding you in the warm nest of His Hand, where you are loved and protected. May you feel that with every ounce of your being.
I pray that God helps each of us family left behind to feel His comfort and protection for you also. I love that song that says, "It will be worth it all when we see Jesus!"
Your courage and determination and faith and resilience amaze and bless me! I wish I had a small fraction of it.
With Great Love,
Kerri
Thanks, Peter and Becca. Our situation is so much different than yours....but I am so discouraged today. Your words are encouraging. Praying for you!
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