A lot has taken place since I updated last Tuesday. On Thursday afternoon my parents called and told me that my grandma passed away that morning. She was supposed to be living with us until Christmas, so she was at our house when everything took place. She’d been having some health issues but was supposed to have surgery this week to help with some of the problems. Some of you remember that last summer while I was in Peru, my grandpa died. I don’t understand why God allowed this to happen twice in the same way; I won’t be there to help comfort my family or go to the memorial service. But, I choose to trust God. His plans and timing are way above what I can understand. I choose to still praise Him, thank Him, and trust Him for all the things He has done and is continuing to do. It doesn’t have to make sense in order for me to trust Him; I know He is in control and He is God.
Yes, right now I am hurting and I do want to be with my family, but God has me here in Peru for a reason and I want to continue to follow Him where He has me right now. It may sound like I’m being fake and like I’m just putting on a front, but I’m being honest. I believe He is preparing me and showing me what it means to “count the costs” when following Him. I don’t know for sure whether or not my grandma was a Christian. She says that she accepted Christ a long time ago, and she certainly heard and saw what it means to follow Him. It’s not our place to figure out peoples’ hearts – God knows and I’ll trust Him in that too.
On another note, yesterday we were able to go to an orphanage near where we’re staying and help out with their craft time. I absolutely enjoyed helping out and we’ll be going back today to help with basketball. Pray that we’ll have the words to say to share the Gospel and God’s love with the children and other workers. Pray also that our actions and how we love them will reflect God’s love. I am so excited for this opportunity!
Please pray for my family. Pray for comfort and peace. Pray also that they’ll be able to share God’s love with our other relatives while they’re at the memorial service and such. Pray that my focus will be on God alone and that I will rely on His strength. Thank Him for His comfort and the way that He has been holding and guiding.
Shirley Anne
Shirley Anne, I am sad for your loss but grateful for this opportunity to lift you and your family before Him. God is trusting you with bigger things because you've been faithful in small ones. Press on--and know His love has gone before you to prepare the way.
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