December 20, 2006
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"When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory" - Colossians 3:4.
Lately the dorm mothers have been discouraged more. The kids aren't listening or obeying as much and the dorm mothers aren't sure what to do. Yesterday morning I led a prayer meeting with some of them in one of the dorm rooms while the kids were at school. I noticed tears going down the face of one of the dorm mother's as we prayed for the kids and for the orphanage. These kids are tough and let us down often. I had another rough day yesterday and so last night and this morning I kept asking God, "Why? What do I do God? What can I do??" I never got an answer. I couldn't understand why God was allowing these struggles. But then after lunch today one of the dorm mothers talked with me for a while in the cafeteria. She is a strong Christian, but is only 22 years old and in charge of 14 boys (ages 10 - 16). Tears came down her face as she shared some of her struggles with the kids. I understood her struggles. I encouraged her a little, but more than anything she just needed let it all out to someone. I came back here and cried as I prayed for this place. That verse, Colossians 3:4 keeps coming to my mind. Jesus was a man of sorrows and familiar with suffering (Isaiah 53:3). He knows our every struggle, our every pain. He can truly relate. Although we can't see Him now, He is working and He is near us. He is my hope. He is the dorm mothers hope too. His Presence gives us strength to carry on. These momentary struggles help take away the numbness of everday life and remind me to keep looking to Him and seeking His return. Don't let this entry discourage you, it wasn't meant to. I know God is going to help us out, He is not going to abandon us. Rather, I hope this entry will encourage you to pray and to recognize we are living for something so much better... His return. "For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory" - Colossians 3:3-4.
Heat - As Angels Looked On (my favorite song at Christmas time)
As angels looked on
You humbled yourself
And gave up your glorious throne
Obedient to God
You came to the earth
Full of compassion for us
What can I do before such love?
Unto your majesty I bow
For you are the Almighty One
You will be adored in all the earth
No one is as wonderful
Wonderful as you
Comments (4)
brotha' man...it was the latter for me (encouragement, not discouragement)~ I praise God for your vulnerability...and that of the dorm mothers...that in our weaknesses...as we cling all the more tightly to Jesus...He is made great when we are strengthened...He is glorified when there is breakthru at the orphanage~ let's keep pressing on~
JM, you're such a strong christian. Just keep on hoping and praying, God's doing what's best for you, the dorm mothers, and the orphans. So long as you don't forget that, I'm quite sure you all will be more than just okay. ^.^ I'll be praying for you and the others, JM, just as before. God is blessing you and the orphanage in such a great way, just you wait and see ^.^
love and peace,
Erin
your encouragement through the most discouraging of situations is a great gift God has blessed with you...stay strong, jm! fighting!! ^ ~
hey JM~ i just finished reading this book tuesday's with morrie. i'm not sure if u've read this or not, but the book follows the death of this professor named morrie.. he teaches of many heartwarming ideals - mainly about love. There was also one part of the book where he says that being a teacher is infinite since your influences never cease. while reading the book, a lot of him reminded me of you.. you're truly a blessing to all those you meet! hope ur staying strong! Merry Christmas JM
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