 On October 3rd I began me week long training with the Assemblies of God World Mission. It totaled in about 35 hours of Zoom session (yikes!)with multiple speakers, global workers, and fellow M's and MA's in training such as myself. At the end of the week I, and all the other MA's were commissioned by the AGWM staff. It was a special moment where they but better yet some close friends prayed over me as I cross and important threshold towards serving in Spain. I don't think it was any coincidence that AGWM's theme bible verse this year is Isaiah 61:1-2. This verse has been key to me as I have heard the call to go serve women rescued from trafficking. The first time I was praying about what I could do in the issue of trafficking the Lord spoke that verse... The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, Every time I read these words I am reminded of the call and energized to continue in the pursuit of it. The words "because the Lord has anointed me" are so true. I do not believe I have much outside of the Lords grace and anointing to offer but I am willing to go if He goes with me.
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In the crushing No doubt this year has been a difficult one for you. No doubt this year has gone nothing like you thought it would have. Still, there can be no doubt that God is not shaken by any of it.
You are, probably like many others, eagerly waiting for this year to be finished and the past. I am sure you have many valid reasons for this year being one of, if not, the worst of your life. Yet as believers we must remember what John 16:33 says, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” In God’s word He is very clear that this world is not free from suffering. In fact He guarantees that we will have “tribulations”. In the Greek root of this word “tribulation”, it means a “pressing together”referring to grapes being crushed to breaking point. Here in the Napa Valley, we are familiar with this picture of grape crushing or in other words suffering, distress, and affliction. Chances are this has described your 2020 year. Then, what do we do in tribulations? In John 16:33 the key words Jesus speaks are “in me you may have peace”. We may be grapes crushed by this year but we can be preserved in Jesus. Look to the words of the Psalmist, “I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalms 16:8-11 First we need to make a choice. The Psalmist makes a choice to “set” the Lord before himself. It’s true God is always with us but YOU get to choose if you invite Him into your day. In your family, in your work, in your Hillside Group, you have a choice of setting the Lord before you or not. Will you choose this day to put God before you? Next the truth we must remind ourselves, because the Lord is with us, we will not be shaken. Because God is not shaken therefore we are made stable in chaos. You alone are shaken by this world's tribulations but you are not meant to be alone. Yes, it’s true that this year could have yet more tribulations ahead in store for us but we have the promise of joy at its fullness in His presence. Lastly, what we can glean from these psalms is that God gives us life in Him. “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy”. In Him, we can have joy no matter the chaos and attacks around us. When others are caught in the tribulations of this world, remain in His presence. Wherever you are today, I urge you to choose to set the Lord before you because He is promised to be with us and in His presence there is fullness of joy. Take a moment today to listen to “New Wine” by Hillsong today and invite Him to be with you. |
Hola!My name is Marissa Deraya; Global Worker with Project Rescue serving women and children of Spain. Let's Stay Connected!Subscribe to My NewsletterCategories
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