I refuse to use the F word
F-E-A-R
If people ask me what my biggest fear is
I politely refuse to speak it out
Because I believe that satan and every demon in hell
Perks up their ears and does the happy dance when we use these two little words
“I’m afraid”
Fear is to him what faith is to God
Fuel
My daughter, son-in-law, and two oldest grandchildren leave in three weeks for Ghana
This time it’s not just for a few weeks, not just for a couple of months,
It’s long term
Shortly after they get there, my husband has been asked to come to Ghana as well, to speak at a conference
He’s been to Africa before
And it’s only for a couple of weeks
I’m fine with him going
BUT they want me to come too
Perhaps to share with the women there
Here’s where that dirty word comes in
I don’t know why this makes me so uncomfortable, but it does
Maybe because I’m such a homebody
Maybe because I don’t want to see the reality of the life my daughter has chosen
I can’t put my finger on it
On why I feel that dirty word trying to take root in my heart
I know it’s not about the people
I already love the people
I sob, ugly cry, whenever my daughter shows the videos of the people
Maybe that’s what is gripping my heart
Maybe I’m afraid I’ll love it
That it will change me
Here’s the verse God reminded me of yesterday as I wrestled with all of this…
“It is the Lord Who goes before you; He will march with you;
He will not fail you or let you go or forsake you;
let there be no cowardice or flinching, but fear not,
neither become broken in spirit--depressed, dismayed, and unnerved with alarm.”
Deuteronomy 31:8 Amplified Bible
So I’m fasting from the F word
I’m denying self and what’s comfortable
I’m going to Africa
Pray for me, friends
Pray for my husband
Pray for my daughter, grandbabies, son-in-law
But most of all, pray for Ghana
Pray for the continent of Africa
Still following,
Elizabeth
If you are interested in learning more about my daughter and son-in-law’s ministry here is the link:
Perhaps God is even asking someone out there to give.
How exciting when a door opens! Prayers for peace and safety. Pat
ReplyDeleteWritten from God's heart to your keyboard to my spirit! I needed to read this one. I have put the F word on notice of late myself. I'm tired of Satan trying to convince me to put any validity to it.
ReplyDeleteI'm believing in advance that what you find in Ghana is so soul warming that you wondered how you could have ever even had considered otherwise.
Thanks, btw, for ALWAYS giving me a post that speaks to me. Whether it's your gratitude list or homemaking or thoughts to ponder, I always leave better than I came. Just felt the need to tell you that today.
Oh that ugly f word...it has so many faces...slithers up in unsuspected places...Oh can't wait to hear and see all God's does through this God ordained moment in your life...blessings as you walk in His boldness and confidence...
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome opportunity--I want to go with you!!!
ReplyDeleteMany prayers for all of you and yours and yes the continent of Africa.
You will NEVER be the same--
I have been on two international mission trips and there is just nothing like it--it does take some adjusting "back into our society" though.
Much love,
Dianne
I'm so proud of you, Elizabeth. You go to Africa, all of you, f---- and all!
ReplyDeleteYes, you will be changed. You know you will. God is good.
What a wonderful opportunity, but yes, a scary one too. So happy you took God at His word and said yes! He is doing a might work! :) And how cool, I read that very verse today! :)Prayers for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteSo excited for you. I have been to Rwanda many times and fell in love with the country and the people. As you fast that word, I pray He gives you courage, the gift of faith to overcome.
ReplyDeleteYou're going to africa!! amazing. go, and you know what, it's ok to have fear. You still are putting one foot in front of the next!
ReplyDeleteSweet friend, saying a prayer for you now. Fear is a four letter word! I recently took an overseas trip and a friend shared Psalm 91 with me... it gave me so much comfort, and addressed the fears I had in particular! I hope it will encourage you, too.
ReplyDeleteThis is my first time here, and while you spoke (or rather didn't speak) of what was seeking to grip your heart, I was overwhelmed by the presence of the Spirit of the Lord in this place...right here, right now. I felt HIS ever-abiding presence accompanying each word. He is within you and HE. IS. ENOUGH.
ReplyDeleteWhat a privilege to have met HIM here-
~Stacy
I got "God bumps" as I have that same verse taped to my laptop monitor...what a great fast...from the F word...prayed for all of you at the end...praying that you continue to sense His courage...thanks for your boldness and obedience, Elizabeth.
ReplyDeleteGoose-bumps! Powerful words spoken with belief in the Name of Jesus. The gates of hell will NOT prevail against Him. Praying so much for you, friend.
ReplyDeleteI need to fast that word as well! I LOVE the Scripture God gave you, and I'm going to believe that He gave it to me as well...through you! Thank you for sharing this at Painting Prose! I am sure you will have many prayers for your upcoming trip from our loving community!
ReplyDeleteAwesome! Praise God that you are going. I will pray for you and yours.
ReplyDeleteFantastic! This is so exciting, Elizabeth. I am praying with you, for you, and for the people you encounter. I can't wait to hear your stories.
ReplyDeleteI soooo get this:
"Maybe I’m afraid I’ll love it
That it will change me"
I'm feeling the same way about my upcoming trip to Haiti. You nailed it, girl. And yes, we will be changed. And it will be good. Because it *will* be God...
Much love to you...
My school has a team leaving for Africa this week, and I've been once. I just get goosebumps whenever I hear someone say the words, "I'm going to Africa". I'll add you to my prayers.
ReplyDelete