Friday, September 18, 2009

update 9/18

"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our 'God is a consuming fire." 
Hebrews 12:28--29

This has been one of the best but hardest weeks I have ever experienced. Monday night was the Passion Launch where 14000 of us connected from 43 nations and over 5000 locations around the globe. The night was amazing filled with awesome worship in the company of some of the most influential Christians in my life. I left the night dealing with some personal issues and just had to surrender some things that I was struggling with to the Lord. The lyrics to Christy Nockels's song rang in my head, "Our mighty fortress is our God. A sacred refuge is your name. Your kingdom is unshakeable, in Him forever we will reign." I set foot on campus on Tuesday with a joy and peace and mission to spread the love of Christ on our campus. Tuesday afternoon was a tough night among the Kanakuk family with news that was released. A few of us spent the entire night in prayer and worship at a friend's house. Wednesday was a day full of questions and strange emotions. I began to ask the Lord so may things. I spend hours in the word and in prayer trying to find a peace in Him. Thursday and Friday I went to Hosanna and continued to hear some crazy stories and testimonies. All of this said, by this time I am beyond exhausted. I am physically, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally worn out! 

I haven't spent as much time with my friends lately doing things I enjoy because as I progress into the field of social work, I hear so many different issues going on in the world around us. I am seeing first hand addictions, prostitution, physical and sexual abuse, adoption, abortion, and many other poverty and oppression issues. It is seriously difficult to do this everyday. When I come home from school, I just want to get into the word and hear truth spoken over these heart breaking things. The Lord is so incredibly faithful in reminding me of His truth:

* His kingdom cannot be shaken, salvation affected, or ministry destroyed by any human efforts. No matter how much we screw up, we cannot mess up God's plan.
* No matter how messed up a circumstance or a person, God will still receive glory in all things and will work things together for the good of those who love the Lord.
* In Christ, there is a hope and a purpose for life. 
* This world is broken but we are not called to belong to this world. We are not of it, and won't stay here. This was not intended to be our home, therefore it's ok if we don't feel like we fit.
* Our father loves us so much and wants to pour His love into our hearts so that we will know Him more and make His name known.