#20 - Testing of Faith

Vol. 20

Testing of Faith:

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that we cannot express.

Romans 8:26

Lord, I am going back to a position of weakness. I know what I will be missing; there are no rose coloured glasses:

-my community here;

-my blood family as well as my family of friends and extended relatives;

-the amenities of running water all the time, a fridge, a full stove; 
-access to books all the time;

-the greenery and going for long walks here in Toronto;

-not having to wear a mask because of the dust and dirt!

My oldest students, who are my translators in Cambodia and so much a part of my community there because they speak English, will be moving on to the city. My best friend there might be moving on as well. So my community there is changing.

But I am reminded of Rehoboam in 2 Chronicles 12:1, “After Rehoboam’s position as king was established and he had become strong, he and all Israel with him abandoned the law of the Lord. 2 Because they had been unfaithful to the Lord, Shishak king of Egypt attacked Jerusalem…”

Lord, I never want to become so strong in myself that I forget that my strength comes from You.

Romans 8:28 gives me great comfort: ”And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called…” Psalms: 18: 32- “³²It is God who arms me with strength: and makes my way perfect ...³⁴He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. ³⁵…You stoop down to make me great”. 2 Chronicles 15:2 –“…The Lord is with you when you are with HIM...” 2 Chronicles 16:7 – “…Because you relied on the king of Aram, and not the Lord your God, the army has escaped you…”

There is one thing I do know as I process going back: I know He has called me. I have to obey His heart.  It would be so easy to rely on man and not GOD; to look at my have-nots going back to Cambodia and not YOU, MY LORD.

2 Chronicles 16:9 says, “for the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.

Why am I writing this?

In the previous update I wrote on saying ‘yes’ to Him because He told me to exercise His gift of faith to me. Now that process has taken hold of me, in my heart, mind and soul.

I have been in Trinidad for over 3 weeks now. The plan was to be back in Toronto and to start my fundraising but God had other plans for me. My dad became sick, and is in hospital undergoing tests. My mom is experiencing excruciating back pain. So I have extended my stay here after praying and asking Him to direct my steps. I am able to help Mom in the day-to-day tasks as well as support Dad at the hospital. I am humbled again at how He is working. I have to admit I was getting anxious about being back in Toronto because I know I have to raise funds, and get things going for my return trip, but I did not want to leave here knowing my Dad was in the hospital. But He reminded me this morning at church, do not fret (Psalm 37), and that He is not too small to take care of everything, here with my parents, and there in Toronto.

Trust Him is what I keep hearing for EVERYTHING.

I am very thankful for my sisters and brothers who have enabled me to be here and to you my RAC family for your prayers. I will be back in Toronto on August 30^th.  Since I have given up everything to His care, He provided the extension on my ticket at no cost! At the same time, my students and my best friend in Cambodia have emailed and Skyped me here in Trinidad asking for my return. I have seen His faithfulness and yes, even though I will leave my family here, I cannot wait to return to His mission in Cambodia. 

Thank you for your continued support and prayers.

Still Dancing with my Jesus,

    Love, Sister Vidya