Don't let the devil steal our joy!

July 26, 2013

Just when you think things will slow down and we are encouraged to continue on…satan continues to discourage and tries to throw you off.

Wednesday evening Josh had an interview with classis (via Skype) to be ordained for the work he is doing here.  I cannot begin to describe what God did.  He showed up!  I had no idea it was going to be so powerful and encouraging.  I should have known.  Josh and I have been praying about it and I know Josh above all wanted Christ to be seen and heard.  It was exciting to hear Josh answer each question and remember all God has brought us through and how He used us.  Josh’s passion for the lost, His love for God’s Word, and his desire to be like Christ came through clearly.  He serves the Lord out of deep gratitude for what Jesus did for him on the cross.  He is a true humble servant of His Savior.  I admire his wisdom, the peace that surrounds him, and his commitment.  I was so proud to stand with him! 

After the interview people could ask questions.  Pastor Brian Bosscher got up and talked to Josh about when God touched Josh’s life at a youth convention.  Brian was so excited to now be apart of this big day and hear how God has work in and through Josh.  I think we were all crying by then.  After the questions they muted us to vote on Josh’s ordination.  It wasn’t more than a minute or two and they came back on to say it was an unusual, enthusiastic YES!  Then everyone there gathered in front of the camera, reached out their hands toward Josh, and commissioned him with prayer.  It was powerful.  It was so affirming of our calling.  So encouraging to continue what we are doing.  I sat there so blessed.  God was at work. 

After the prayer each person came up to the camera introduced themselves and blessed us with words of affirmation, support, and encouragement.  I was blown away, couldn’t take it all in.  So many people were moved by what Josh had shared.  It was evident God spoke through him.  I just wanted to soak it all in.  Actually, I really wanted to be there!  I wanted to hear more, hug someone, and celebrate!  Josh’s parents were there.  I am so glad they realized this was an important event and came all the way to be apart of it.  Dad came up to the mic with tears and told Josh he couldn’t wait to be at his ordination.  Then his mom came crying.  Then my mom.  She was so very moved by all that took place and thankful for Josh.  It was so good to see them and others who mean so much to us from our church. 

Then after all that, it was just Josh and I again sitting in our house in Soroti, Uganda.  It felt strange.  Something so wonderful just happened, they were all together sharing, and we were just suppose to get ready for bed.  I wanted to celebrate!

My desire to celebrate was still there the next morning.  I wanted to talk to someone about what God did.  I was so encouraged after months of difficult things.  But life continued on and I spend most of the day asking God not to let the devil steal our joy.

Our teammates needed us.  Their son was sick and they needed our help and prayers.  Everyone stepped up and gave their all.  They are now getting good care in Kenya for his pneumonia and our team is caring for their other kids.  God assured me today reading from Deut. 3 that we have not yet seen all He can do.  We have only begun to see His greatness and strength of His hand.  There is no other god anywhere who can do His mighty works. (verse 24)  Amen!  God is with us and our teammates.

Today we were in Obulle and our kids were enjoying their time with friends and talking about being excited to move there.  Even Josh and I talked about looking forward to it.  Then we got home and the owner of the home in Obulle we plan to rent from backed out of the agreement.  What?!  Really?!  Why?!  I was amazed it really didn’t even make me flinch.  I just said to Josh, “ok then we build.”  I know God is calling us there and He will make a way.  Many people here wanted us to build and not rent so maybe this is the answer.  I don’t know but I know we are to live in Obulle.  God has provided people to help build and He will provide land to build.  Yes, we are a bit confused and overwhelmed but we can press on. 

So, that is where we are at and most of what we went through the last few days.  Through it all I know our battle is not against flesh and blood.  The devil is defeated so he can’t win.  He will not discourage us enough to destroy us.  He can not steal our joy.  Cause God is for us!  Thanks for rejoicing with as Josh was ordained as a commissioned pastor and for praying with us for our teammates, the Fishers, and for a home in Obulle.   t