March update

I haven’t really updated my blog in a month… crazy. I’m always “angry” with people who do that and now I’m one of them :)

It’s been a weird month, actually. A lot of things happened at home and it was a struggle for me, but step in faith and a test of my trust in the Lord. I’m thankful I’m where I am, in a beautiful Christian bubble, surrounded by God’s wisdom, discernment, encouragement and love, and I’m so thankful He brought people to me that know exactly what to say and how to help.

 I went on 2 weekend outreaches; 
first one was to Pecs 
(where I went on a 10-day outreach last semester); 
this time only Jamie and I went  
with a purpose of painting the kids’ room 
in their new church. 
We drew a tree, sun, clouds, butterflies… it looks really cute!

The second outreach was a weekend outreach to Eger, a northern town of Hungary (30min from Slovakian border – you can see the mountains in Slovakia :) ). It was 7 girls who went and our theme for the outreach was the end times. Fun! It was a 4 hour drive in one way so we used it for talks like that. It was good to discuss, hear different opinions and it actually made me curious so I went and read Revelation for the first time. (I always avoided Revelation because I never got it and it was scary for me to read about scary creatures…). Because we talked a lot about it, I had an idea about it, about what’s going to happen, and when I read Revelation, it actually made sense! It made me a bit scared but not for me but for people who aren’t saved yet and who aren’t going to be. It made me pray more for my family (my roommate and I pray for them every evening) and God even gave me some visions… I love how personal He is! 

Anyway, Eger outreach was amazing. It felt more like a vacation even though we were really tired. When we got back, I felt like my soul was rested and my body was weak but that’s what missions trips are all about, right? You go to encourage people and you’re encouraged by them yourself, even though your body is tired from helping. God works for all of us!

We had Speakers’ week in the middle of these 2 outreaches and it was pretty intense. We talked about false teachers, the end times, the enemy (how he attacks, how to recognize it and how to defend ourselves), how to see what God’s will for us is and some tools to recognize it… it was good but intense, hard, because listening to 3 sermons per day is not easy, there’s no time for putting things together in your head because when you’re about to do that, another sermon comes.

Pastors that spoke were all from America and it made my heart hurt hearing everything that’s going on there… I knew about a lot of things but what they shared was just awful. There are churches on every corner but they’re mostly dead, people see Christianity as a fun fellowship that you do on weekends and… they see it wrong! There are more things that are wrong but that’s a subject for another blog post.

I’ve been thinking about what my plans for the summer might be and God is opening some doors, some possibilities… but He’s not telling me what to do yet.

He spoke to me about a 10-day outreach to Slovenia at the end of the last semester, in Dec 2010, and I went to talk to a CC Celje pastor in Jan to see if a 10-day outreach would be a possibility, and he said yes. When I got back in Hungary, I spoke to people here and we decided there’s going to be a 10-day outreach to Slovenia! YAY!

They asked me if I’d like to lead it and I said no because it’s such a big responsibility and I’m not ready for it, so our intern Jemma (she’s Australian) is leading it (and I’ll be helping a bit). We’re coming in less than 3 weeks, on Apr 15^th and will be in Slovenia until April 25^th. We’re planning on coming to our little church in Ljubljana as well, probably on April 17^th and I’m SO EXCITED! I’m so thankful that you guys will be able to see a part of our College body and spirit and that they will be able to meet “my people” and talk to you… it’s such a huge blessing for me and it will be for all of us when it happens!

As I said earlier, God is opening some doors for the summer but He’s not speaking clearly which doors to choose yet.

We were finishing the 4^th chapter of book of Joshua 2 weeks ago. At the end of the 3^rd chapter, the Israelites came into the promised land and then God spoke to Joshua. He told him to tell people to choose one man from each tribe (there were 12 tribes) to go into the Jordan, find memorial stones and bring them back (4^th chapter).

When they were done with what God told them to do, God spoke to them again, and that was a promise to me.

God put Slovenia on my heart for a 10-day and I obeyed. I could go to Finland, to Split (Croatia), to Pecs, to Ukraine… but God said Slovenia, and I’m going to Slovenia.

It’s been really hard for me to wait on Him and His answers but I do know He’s faithful. I’m expecting Him to speak to me when I’ll be on a 10-day in Slovenia and I’m sure many questions will be answered and many things resolved. I’m excited :)

This semester is different; it’s harder in a way. I’ve been a Christian for a good year now and the last year was like a honeymoon with Jesus. He was with me in a very close way, He was holding my hand and took me to places… I’m not saying He’s not with me anymore and that He’s not holding my hand anymore but I’m saying I’m growing up and it’s stretchy. He’s teaching me how to walk and how to listen to Him even if He doesn’t speak to me directly.

He’s teaching me a lot about prayer and how effective it is, He’s teaching me about Him so much…

Romans class is a hard class. I was thinking of dropping it after 2 weeks but God clearly spoke to me that He’d like me to be in this class. I didn’t know why but I do now.

I’ve been struggling a lot with the first few chapters… Satan used it and condemned me but God showed there’s no need for condemnation because of the following chapters in Romans where… in chapter 6, Paul speaks about sin and how we need to give our bodies as instruments to Jesus and not sin, how we need to yield to Jesus and grow in Him! In chapter 7, Paul speaks about struggles we have as Christians, how we condemn ourselves sometimes BUT the first verse in Romans 8 says “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Jesus Christ!” I know I’m in Jesus Christ and so… I’m not condemned!! I get convicted which I’m thankful for but I’m not condemned, not by Jesus!

But then it gets to chapter 9 where… I just got really confused. Our homework every week is to do an outline of a chapter and when I was doing an outline for chapter 9, I had no idea what to think about it.

God loves everyone, more than we can imagine. He created us! So, He loves believers and non-believers, and we’re all sinners, not worthy of His love.

He chose us, believers, to be His children. But then, God doesn’t choose everyone.

How can that be? If He loves us all, why doesn’t He choose us all? Or does He, and it’s just up to us to respond to His call?

My teacher of Romans answered on my question of “How do you know you are called from God?” with “You know you’re called if you accept Jesus as your Savior!”.

How do I know if my family’s being called? Well, God gave me a vision for my mom and dad and their salvation, but there was no vision (yet) for my sister. How do I know she’s being called?

There’s just a lot of questions popping up in Romans class and I pray for God’s wisdom because some of them are really confusing.

I love that it’s Spring and that we get to eat outside and our days get to be more joyful because of the weather.

I’m thankful I’m here and I’m thankful God wants me to come back here next semester. I see His love for me and it’s amazing.

I could write so much more what’s happening here, with all the classes (Apologetics is really interesting as well!) but I could write for days :)

Thank you for following my blog and my life, I’m thankful for all of your support.

Please, continue to pray for my family to get saved, that’s my only prayer request; I don’t need anything, I have Jesus :)

Lift up the Light!

I first heard of Shane and Shane from Anna, she lent me their CD when I was 15, I think. I fell in love with them right away and even though I became a Christian 7 years later, Shane and Shane and their “Upstairs” album have been my favorite since then.

Now, Shane and Shane have just released a new album with worship team from their church, The Oaks Fellowship! It’s called “Lift up the Light” and it’s amazing! The lyrics are so deep and touchy, they describe our Lord in such a loving way and what I love the most about it is that when I listen to it, I can hear them smile while singing. One of the worst things for me is to see/hear a worship team worshipping God with a face without emotion OR with a face that’s expressing suffering (sometimes that’s appropriate)… but even though I can’t see them, I can only hear them, I can hear they worship with a smile on their face, with joyful attitude!

One of my favorite songs is Lift up the Light and before they sang it, they shared these verses from Revelation 21:21-24: “The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass. I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it.“

And then they sang the song… it’s amazing. 

“You are the light of the world

Light of our darkness

Nations will walk by the light of the glory of the Holy God.”

I really recommend the album. It’s one of the best live worship albums I’ve ever heard.

Waiting on God

Waiting for a Husband?

By Candace Davidson

Have you ever thought of waiting as a gift from the Lord? I have not always known that, but I'm glad He has opened my eyes! It does not have to be a "trial" or a "struggle." If we are willing, it can be one of the sweetest times of our lives with our Savior.

I am waiting on God for a somewhat unusual gift - a husband! Not just any husband. I could have probably obtained that years ago by giving in to all the "match making" my friends and family have tried to do, or better yet, picked someone out for myself. But, I don't trust my own judgment in these vital areas of life. I figure it would be terribly easy for me to make a bad choice on something so important and lasting.
One day, when I was around 18 years old, and had just left the halls of a public high school for good, I decided that I needed to give God control over every area of my life. I asked Him to choose a mate for me - the one He had actually designed from before the foundation of the world, the one that I could never be capable of finding by myself, apart from God's sovereign wisdom.

Marriage is such a holy thing, something that perfectly demonstrates Christ's love for us, His bride. When it comes time for me to walk down the aisle, I want to make sure the man I'm gazing lovingly at is the one God chose for me! For this reason, I have made the choice to not date - a radical decision, many tell me, but one that God has lead me to nevertheless. As Eric and Leslie Ludy put it so beautifully "I have given God the 'pen' and the freedom to write my love story, taking my error-full hands off."

However, I have learned that with the beautiful idea comes learning how to be patient. This is the most difficult part. It's hard to believe in what we cannot see. Through the years, the Lord has taught me several things about waiting and contentment and my once hasty heart has finally learned to "sleep" in God's will until He wakes my "Adam" up. If He, in His sovereignty chooses to never give me a husband, then in true God-given contentment I can say, "That's okay, because Jesus is more than enough, and my life is full and overflowing because of Him. I need nothing more to complete me."

God's holy, faultless word tells us in Isaiah 49:23, "They shall not be ashamed who wait for me." I believe this means that though our patience on the Lord's timing may seem foolish to those around us, and even to ourselves at times, God has assured us that we will not be put to shame by waiting on Him. What a relief! His Word also tells that those who "wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles." (Isaiah 40:31) I have often tried to imagine how it must feel as an eagle to soar effortlessly among the clouds. The only word I can think of to describe the experience is freedom. When we wait upon the Lord, we find freedom as well as strength!

The Apostle Paul urges us to be content in every circumstance. This cannot be done except by the power of God at work in our lives. In our natural, carnal state, we are simply not capable of having peace and serenity when things in our life seem so uncertain. However, through Christ, we are able to have incomprehendable peace, peace that our human brains are not able to understand.

There are many things God wants to teach us during our "waiting period," no matter what it is we may be waiting on Him for. I know that I have a whole lot of things yet to learn. I can only pray I'll remain open and teachable. He wants our time in the "waiting room" to be a joyful experience. He wants us to "enjoy the scenery" and not dwell on the destination only. When we really understand that His way and timing is absolutely perfect, then we are able to solely, with no reserve, trust Him. And when we trust Him, even when we cannot see, we will be able to receive the true contentment that only Christ Jesus can offer us.
God has shown me four basic ways that I can embrace the gift of waiting and make the most of this season in my life.

1. Savor Every Moment
More than likely, once the object of our waiting has been brought to pass, changes will take place and life as we know it will be different. Anytime there is a change, we will lose privileges, even if they are replaced with new ones. Take this time that God has given you and enjoy it! Be well aware that you will not have these exact moments of your life back - ever again. This season will more than likely not last forever, so remember, no matter what you may be waiting on God for, the present days are only yours once. Do not be in such a hurry that you miss out on all the present blessings God is showering you with.

2. Do Not Wait Idly
Keep yourself busy for the Lord and your family. Ask Him to bring opportunities your way to minister, witness and bring glory to His name. Do things that will help prepare you for what you may be waiting on. Honor your father and mother and others in your life by doing special things for them. Practice submission and self-dying by putting others' needs before your own. Offer child care while mommies and daddies go on a much needed "date." I have to say that I have been blessed by doing this! I have learned so much. Every time I walk into a godly home, full of laughter and the pitter-patter of precious little feet, I take mental note on tips that I will use with my own children someday. I leave feeling so rewarded by God. Refuse to look at your time of waiting as a "pity party," but serve others and receive the joy that comes with obedience! Stay busy for the glory of the Lord. Nothing you do for Him will ever be in vain!

3. Be a Broken Vessel
Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord and He will lift you up. Share your heart's deepest desires with Him. Cry unto Him, uncensored. Pour yourself out in prayer and worship. Become a piece of soft, pliable clay in your Maker's hands. Ask Him to reveal Himself to you in a way that you have not yet known. Be willing to allow your wishes to die, taking Christ as your All in All. Ask Him to reassure you that He is more than enough for you. He will. When we say, "Not my will, but Thine be done.", that is usually when He truly moves in our lives. He desires to have our utterly surrendered heart.

4. Work Double Time for the Lord
I feel that singleness is a wonderful time to give all our strength to the Lord through missions. Remember that missions do not have to be across the world's oceans. They can be across the street or even inside your home! This is such an ideal time to become a hard-working laborer in His plentiful vineyard of ripe souls.
Maybe you are waiting on a healing to take place in your body, an adoption to go through, a loved one to come to Jesus, or God to fill your womb with life - or maybe, like me, you are waiting for a husband, having placed it into the hands of the Master Match-Maker. I challenge you to walk by me in faith and watch God move in His perfect, beautiful time. This way, He gets all the glory. He is orchestrating it all. All we have to do is listen, trust, and obey.

Candace Davidson, 27, still lives at home with her parents in the Appalachian Mountains of VA as she waits for God to reveal His choice for a husband in His time and way.
_______________________________
 

God has been teaching me a whole lot this semester and I’m loving it. I see how He’s strengthening me, I catch myself doing things or thinking what I’d never do before. He’s letting me know who He is and what all He can do. He’s showing me how much He actually loves me and I gotta tell you – it’s a lot more than I could ever imagine!!

Right now I think He’s really teaching me how to be patient; first of all with Him and even with other people. God is so patient with us and because of that we can be patient with others.

He’s teaching me how to wait on Him. Not for a husband, I’m not in a stage where I’d want one because I agree with the article – I can do so much right now when I’m single and I’m loving it! I’m growing on my own, God is preparing me for the future plans He has for me and probably even for my husband! But I’m good with where I am right now, learning, growing, stretching.

I’m waiting on God to save my family. It’s hard to wait on Him for anything but every day I have to give Him my worries, I have to surrender to Him, die to my flesh and accept + confess that I have no power nor control over situation at home but He does. And I believe He will save them.

My dormroom decided to pray for my family every night from 10-10.30pm. It’s 3 of us for now but I’m sure others will join us. Even if not, that’s ok. We’ll be lifting my family up to God, waiting for them to surrender to Him.

I don’t have hope in my family, I know they can’t do it. I have hope in Him because He can do it. He is my hope. He is my strength. He is my God. And every day He’s reminding me of His faithfulness and He pours showers of grace on me. That’s the God we have and we should be thankful for His love and everything He does for us.

Even in hard times, He’s in control. He promised to be with my family and He’s keeping His promise. My job is to believe, to remain in faith and to look up to Him in every given situation.

2 songs come to my head:

“Our God is greater, our God is stronger, God you are higher than any other, God you are healer, you’re awesome in power, our God, our God.” (Chris Tomlin – Our God)

“You are able, more than able, you are willing, more than willing, you hear and answer cries for mercy, you are … (I don’t remember the rest of the song)

We sing these 2 songs during worship time here at College and God just reminded me of them, reminded me of Him, of who He is.

He won’t let me down, He never fails. We’re learning this in my Apologetics class how the Bible is inerrant and infallible – without errors! If the Bible is without errors, then the Bible is the truth which means God is without errors; He is the truth, the perfection! He doesn’t fail. He doesn’t make a mistake. And everything is good for something.

I’m so thankful for our God!!