Love, Joy, Peace

September 3, 2011

After teaching my second day of the 2011-2012 school year, I sat down on my bed and confessed, “God, if yesterday and today are a foreshadowing of the next 178 days of school, I’m not going to make it.” After further expressing my discouragement, I continued my daily devotional and read through the end of Galatians.

But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. -Galatians 5:5-8

Do not be deceived; God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. -Galatians 6:7-10

How good God is that He faithfully reassures us of His Sovereignty!

Since that first week of school, God has revealed that He desires me to be completely committed to serving him here. His desire isn’t just for me to focus on my job; His desire is that I be content and grateful for each day He’s given me regardless of my circumstances. As I’ve mentioned in past updates, I have a terrible habit of choosing to live in the future. And so I once again I am faced with this battle to trust and obey God instead of listening to the Deceiver’s lies that leave me dissatisfied with the here and now. Thankfully, we have a gracious, loving Father who provides us with all the encouragement and wisdom we need through His Spirit and His Word.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:4-9

So that’s what I’ve been doing: daily seeking joy and peace through expressions of thanksgiving and gratefulness.

It’s been over a month since I first started letting God really move me towards contentedness and in that time I’ve been amazed at how much my perspective and attitude have changed. I can truly embrace the job He’s given me here and pour myself into preparing and teaching these kids.

School has improved, or perhaps just my mindset has, but it is still quite intense. I am gaining incredible amounts of knowledge and learning even more about how to be a patient teacher. This school year is particularly challenging for the girls, who work the entire day and stay up late to complete all of their assignments. Please pray for them specifically that they would remain diligent, positive, and receptive.

Lastly, I would like to thank everyone for your encouraging words and congratulations. Ben made it back safely to the States and was able to catch up at work. He enjoyed his time here, but is glad to be back in an English-speaking country. We have begun the wedding planning process and are excited to be able to slowly move that along.

I can’t thank you enough for all of the love and support you have shown me these last few months! God is so good and I wish I could share all of the little things He is doing here. Please know that I covet your prayers and am striving to live each day fully committed to the task He has given me.

Indebted to Christ and Joyfully Following His Will,
Julie