In entering a new culture, I am always unsure how to act. This insecurity easily leads to fear, which is how I’ve been living the last few days and I hadn’t actually realized it. Today, I was frustrated with the fact that I never understand what people are saying, I don’t know how to get around, and I don’t understand the culture… not to mention the fact that I’m not sure what I’ll be doing the week I have off, when my apartment-mate is gone in the UK. All that to say that the newness of the culture was starting to wear off on me and rather than it being a very interesting and beautiful place, I began to think of it as a place and culture to be feared.
Tonight as I was praying, God showed me that I was sinning against Him. I have not been trusting Him, because I have been relying on my own abilities and I have not been loving the people around me as I should, because I have been living in fear. I have not been willing to give up what makes me feel secure, as Abraham gave up Isaac, but have been holding that back from God.
I praise God that He showed this to me now, so that throughout the rest of my trip, I can live in freedom, knowing that no matter what happens God is in control. That no matter what happens, I still am blessed with the opportunity to love, to live in God’s peace and freedom, to bring glory and honor to God, and to cast all my cares upon the one to whom belong all glory, power, and dominion.
Romans 8: 6b, 15 “the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.”
“For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship.”
1 Timothy 1:7 “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline.”
God keeps working & it's beautiful :). Thanks for sharing this hun.
ReplyDeleteI miss you already - and it's weird because normally we don't live in the same place.. probably because you're in another CONTINENT! How did class go yesterday? I love you and hope you grow to love Morocco as another home.
With love.
Dearest Erika, Mom and Dad rejoice in your reflexion on your approach to what for you is the 'newness' of the culture in Morocco. Your mom and dad were talking this morning what a blessing it must be for you to be exposed to student-teaching in two different contexts (Muncie and Morocco - Midwest America and Northern Africa) as you near your professional life. We think that this is a good opportunity to open even more your horizons as to what God has in store for you. Our prayers certainly have been raised to the Throne of grace with thanksgivings and petition on you behalf so that you continue to enjoy the pursuit of God's will which is good, pleasing and perfect. Much love, Dad and Mom. Do not forget to send us ASAP your Christmas list via e-mail.
ReplyDeleteErika,
ReplyDeleteWe are very excited to read your comments and how God is working in your life. What a blessing you are to the students there. They will never forget you. Someone like you with such a vast and different lifestyle and culture coming to their school to teach and help them. May God continue to use you and help you grow as you have been. We are praying for you. Stay strong. R.A. (South Park Church)