Wednesday, February 29, 2012

The F word…

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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

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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:

Ask for the Nations

Perhaps God is even asking someone out there to give.

 

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16 comments:

  1. How exciting when a door opens! Prayers for peace and safety. Pat

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  2. Written 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.

    I'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.

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  3. 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...

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  4. What an awesome opportunity--I want to go with you!!!

    Many 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

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  5. I'm so proud of you, Elizabeth. You go to Africa, all of you, f---- and all!

    Yes, you will be changed. You know you will. God is good.

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  6. 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.

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  7. So 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.

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  8. You'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!

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  9. Sweet 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.

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  10. This 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.

    What a privilege to have met HIM here-
    ~Stacy

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  11. 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.

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  12. Goose-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.

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  13. I 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!

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  14. Awesome! Praise God that you are going. I will pray for you and yours.

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  15. Fantastic! 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.

    I 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...

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  16. 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.

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