The world seems to be crumbling all around, broken people,
broken relationships, dreams in rubble, buried hopes. Some days I look around
and despair creeps in. How are my students ever going to rise up in the midst
of all that is against them? Is it possible to rebuild everything that is so
destroyed in lives all around?
1 Chron. 6; 9 - For
the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose
hearts are fully committed to him.
1 Peter 3:12 - For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
and
his ears are attentive to their prayer,
but the face of the Lord is against
those who do evil.
I’ve been studying the story of Nehemiah rebuilding the
walls of Jerusalem and realizing that God is looking to leaders—ordinary men
and women who are willing to stand up to the call and build something despite
opposition inside and out.
Nehemiah’s example is based on three things:
-
prayer
-
Fear of God, not man
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Servant leadership
*He also unifies the people to work together as well as read
the word of God and worship together.
Thus the wall of Jerusalem is rebuilt in 52 days and
everyone recognizes the work of the Lord.
What if we accomplished things in this way? What if we led
lives reflective of Nehemiah’s example? Would there be so much rubble?
What is God calling us to rebuild? What is God showing you
needs redemption?
When was the last time you wept and fasted in prayer or
threw up your hands in worship surrounded by the community of believers?
I challenge you to read Nehemiah, look at how God is asking
you to live your life and what you need to do in the world, in the community,
amidst the crumbling lives you affect? He will strengthen you. His eyes are
seeking those who are righteous and his ears attentive to your cry. May we rise up together to accomplish this
work around the world!
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| Care group outing! |
Friends, it’s transition time for me and I’m spinning in
emotion and preparation.
Honestly, I’m just holding on for dear life, knowing there
are a lot of pieces of my heart that will be torn off and left here. How do I
prepare for that? In 8 weeks I will be back with family, cuddling with sisters,
hugging friends, sharing stories over coffee, and breathing in Colorado air. That
world awaits me so lovingly and anxiously.
Yet this world here still clamps hard on my heart, it grips
my hands tight, and maintains my gaze until the last glance goodbye.
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| Running group! |
No matter the preparation, the reality is that I have poured
out 5 years of my life here and the pain of leaving is good because it means I
have lived and loved well in the little I’ve been given. God has been faithful
when I have been faithless. This place marks so many changes in my character
and vision. These people have loved me through ups and downs indescribable.
They have witnessed transformation and shoved me onward. So I keep going,
fixing my gaze on Christ -- the author and perfector of my faith.
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| This is a good photo description of our days at school! :) |
This is a plea for prayer. In 52 days, the time it took
Nehemiah to build the walls of Jerusalem, I will be arriving in my beautiful
Colorado home.
I need you to partner with me in this transition to the end
and to support me as I arrive home a little frazzled.
I need you to rejoice with me because the Lord has been
SOOOOO good to me and I am filled with joy! In the outpouring of God’s grace, I have been able to laugh
every day with my students… a couple days last week I had tears running down my
face I was laughing so hard. I have been able to grab sweet moments with friends
as I continue to read and study in my different Bible Studies and learn and
grow in God’s truth. Then there’s running, which keeps me sane when all the
emotions bubble over.
I am more than blessed and I can’t quite express it all in
words. Yes, it’s a tug of war.
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| This is my handsome man! |
My wonderful boyfriend continues to claim more of my heart
each day. That’s another aspect that God has me wondering about. How is this
all going to work?
Why was his visa rejected? Why am I supposed to go home as
we just begin this relationship here? I have stopped asking the questions and
settled my restless, controlling mind on the truth that His ways are higher
than my ways and His thoughts are higher than my thoughts. I just want to
listen and follow the Lord.
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| Though Spring break plans didn't go as desired, we still enjoyed sweet fellowship as well as adventure! |
This will not be easy, but God knows what is best. I choose
His ways instead of my ways.
I hesitated to write this blog because I knew it would be
messy, but alas, such is life. The rebuilding is not for the faint of heart. We
must step up and take the lead and watch God accomplish more than we ask or
imagine. But more than all of that, we must be in constant communication with
our Father through prayer. Please keep me in yours as I pray for you too. (Hebrews
5: 7-10)
On that note, I leave you with this question from John
Piper’s Book, “Don’t Waste Your Life”
It may not be loving
to choose comfort or security when something great may be achieved for the
cause of Christ and for the good of others. What paths of risk and sacrifice
should we take in our passion for the supremacy of God in all things, and in
our zeal to magnify Christ, and in our single-minded commitment to boast only
in the cross?
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| Katie is my dearest friend and sister and I'm so thankful for her partnership in the gospel for the sake of Christ |
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| Nicole came to visit and got to know Allam! |
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| Sure! We'll just be in a folkloric music video for the town of Danli! |
4 comments:
Praying for you, Julses! Love you!
"I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,
and in His Word I put my hope.
My soul waits for the Lord
more than watchmen wait for the morning,
more than watchmen wait for the morning.
O Israel, put your hope in the Lord,
for with the Lord is unfailing love
and with Him is full redemption."
(Psalm 130:5-7)
"As for me, I want to watch and endure, not worry. I want to be like the night watchmen who are waiting to see the first light. God is the God of suspense, but it is a suspense that teaches us peace. He is the God of surprises, but the surprises are always better that what we could have dreamed. I can't put him in a box and assume that he should act according to my time schedule and according to my less sophisticated version of what is good. I need the mind of Christ. I can do with nothing less. Lord, I trust you." -Edward T. Welch
Ah, Julie! Studying Nehemiah too, and 52 days....yes, God can do anything. Praying He gives you peace as you prepare for your upcoming transition. He will work out the details, like He alone can. Can't wait to see you!
Love, Beth
I'm so excited for you! As one who's recently experienced significant change, I can promise you: change is often the most beautiful, wonderful, joyful thing that can happen. Love you!
Hi Julie,
I think this might be my first post. Just wanted to let you know I think about and pray for you. Thankful to call you my sister and will continue to pray for you as you transition back to life in the states. Lord bless you.
Heath
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