I know that He gave me this job at SPU and that it came at the perfect time to help us since the unemployment benefits are ending soon. I really think something is around the corner for Jason, but we still don't know how to best pace ourselves since we don't know how long this "race" is. To give you a brief update, he did not get that job at the Raikes foundation that we told you about. We found that out last week, and it was not that surprising as there were over 150 applicants for the position. At least he got down to the top 10 or so! :) However, today Jason got an encouraging email from Seattle University letting him know they are working on posting two positions there and that they wanted Jason to apply for them both, but we don't know the timing for things yet and lots is up in the air.
A few weeks ago, I typed in "IS GOD LISTENING" into Google just to see what popped up. Here is one of the searches that came up...
Q. I feel far from God right now. I pray and hear nothing. How do I know he's listening? Or even there? I'm afraid I'm missing his answers or that he's not hearing me.
A. You're not alone. Almost every Christian feels this way sometimes. Read Psalm 22:1-2. King David, who certainly knew God, wrote: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? … I cry out by day, but you do not answer" (NIV). We often feel God is distant or disconnected. Even Jesus felt this way—and quoted this Psalm—when he was on the cross.
But despite how you feel, God hasn't gone anywhere. He created you, and he loves you so much that he made arrangements for you to live with him forever (Romans 8:32). Since God is so deeply committed to you, he's not going to walk away from you.
In fact, he's watching over you. Right here. Right now. You may not see him or hear him, but you're on his mind, and he loves you. Keep your eyes open, and watch for God's presence in your life. You may not see him all the time, but like the wind, you can see the effect he has. Maybe you see him in how he provides. Or comforts. Or the people he sends into your life.
God wants you to keep looking for him by praying, reading his Word and living out your faith. "Come and pray to me, and I will listen to you," God says. "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:12-13, NIV).
I thought this might be something that would encourage you as well as you continue to find your way through the maze of life there in Malawi. XOXOXO....
I thought this might be something that would encourage you as well as you continue to find your way through the maze of life there in Malawi. XOXOXO....
email from Elizabeth:
ReplyDelete" Dear Emily,
I certainly did see this email and I should have responded with words rather than just with thoughts and prayers. When I read this I admit I felt really discouraged and a bit mad at God that he has not given you an open door. I am SO IMPRESSED with you and your faithfulness and clear mind to read these scriptures with humility and trust. The connection of our situations… both experiencing the maze of life… is interesting to me. On one hand we on a mission that is not clear and feels very foreign but this was an intentional move. You on the other hand are on a mission that is not clear and feels foreign and it is completely not what you signed up for. I have been thinking that the similarities are there I am afraid that I think your situation is more uncomfortable. And yet in the midst of this you continue to shower encouragement to me.
I wake every morning with a jingle that emanates from my phone. I push snooze once. When it alarms again I know that my reward is to scan for an email from you. I lay in bed, thinking and praying for the day with you electronically next to me.
I can't tell you what an encouragement and sources of strength it is. So when I don't respond it is because I have just gotten lazy about typing.
You are so close all the time.
BTW- mosquitos are better tonight so far… though Bill's nose hurts on the inside. I hope his nose does not decay as we sleep.
xoxo"