The Truth Shall Set You Free…

What a week of spiritual battles! I can’t quite wrap my mind around the darkness that we’ve experienced already this year – but I know one thing – He is Sovereign. He is good. He is loving. He is in control.

I prayed for 2013 to be a year for the books –  but I think I should have been a little clearer in my conversations with God! I’m not really at a place where I can share ALL our battle scars from this past week –  except to say that God is moving here and it’s infuriating satan! No matter how hard he tries – I’ve already claimed 2013 for Jesus. And I have NO DOUBT that HE will be victorious!

I’m not much of a reader – unless it’s People Magazine & I’m stuck at the airport! But God really placed on my heart since studying the book of James this past fall – that I need to immerse myself in the Word. Not only the Word but in other devotionals as well.

When I go “all in” –  I really go all in! I’m currently reading 5 different books. I’m a little ADD when it comes to reading. Like the buffet bar at the Golden Corral – I like to taste just a little bit of everything. So I may read a chapter in each book or pick different books to read each day. While it might not make sense to a normal reader –  I constantly find God speaking to me with every “random” chapter!

This is a passage from a book I read on Monday – the day that I  received official paperwork from the Judge! Yes –  our old Pastor was back in Mole St Nicholas & had summoned me to courthouse to sue me for $15,000.00! (Yes – Seriously).

“TRUST ME MOMENT BY MOMENT. THIS IS ALL I require of you, and it is sufficient to keep you standing firm in the midst of fierce spiritual battles. Just getting through each day is a victory as long as you stay in communication with Me. Search for Me in your moments. Keeping your focus on My Presence is the best protection against self-pity and depression.

I am calling you to trust Me in deep darkness. Take one step at a time, clinging to My hand for help and guidance. I am always near you, and I know exactly how much you are struggling.

Though the battle is fierce and you are weak, your resources are unlimited. My Spirit is ever ready to help you; you have only to ask. Remember that this Holy Helper is infinitely powerful and infinitely loving. I also am eager to help you. Call upon My Name with confident trust, for My unfailing Love surrounds you.

Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. —Psalm 62:8

And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.” —John 14:16–17 NKJV

Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD’s unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him. —Psalm 32:10

Excerpt From: Young, Sarah. “Jesus Today.” Thomas Nelson, 2012-06-13. iBooks.

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I had become anxious on Monday night – awaiting for Tuesday’s court date. When I began to read through this passage a peace came over me. What satan uses to destroy will no doubt be used for God’s glory! I just have to hang onto the TRUTH.

I walked into the courtroom with several of our pastors & some of our staff. I watched as half the town gathered on the porch & on the street outside. There’s no TV in the Mole – so we were providing the entertainment for Tuesday! It was like our own little soap-opera – Days of our Haiti Lives!

I knew that I needed to watch my tone – watch my words – watch my actions. I knew I need to be the hands, feet, & face of Jesus – ESPECIALLY in the midst of persecution. The kinder I was – the angrier the old pastor got. I simply spoke truth. I even said that I don’t want the pastor to leave here angry. I don’t know why he is here but I want for him to sleep well at night.

The judge told the pastor he was totally outside of the law & that he really needed to dig into his conscience and ask himself if what he did today would appease Jesus? The judge spoke the word of God & spoke HIS wisdom into the court-room.

Though short-lived – this past September – while we were in the states – the pastor was able to turn the town against us.  I heard the rumblings from the large crowd outside and wasn’t sure which way they were leaning throughout my little trial.

But when I walked outside the porch I heard the cheers! Tuesday the pastor stood alone. With tear-filled eyes I watched a town stand-up for truth. I saw a town that was 100% behind us!!

I’m not sure why I had to experience this  – or the other things that happened this week – but I know one thing.  God was victorious once again! I left the courtroom very encouraged.

Maybe He just needed me to see that the hearts of those in the Mole had begun to soften & change…..