God has been doing a lot of work and spending a lot of time helping to bring me to a place of surrender. Despite its connotations of feebleness and failure, surrender is one of the most empowering realities in the universe! Of more significance than whatever geographical point on the globe I call home, this place of surrender is the place He really wants me to live. This concept does not have a strong presence in popular psychology or self-help/self-esteem manuals. It is a reality that doesn’t make sense. It transcends human understanding.
And that is exactly the reason it is so powerful! It is not rooted in human knowledge or goodness. The sole source is our Father God, our loving and protecting Daddy in heaven. His knowledge and His goodness are the roots of this unexplainable power. The only question that leads me to ask right now is “Why?” Why me, God? Why are your blessings, your light, your watchful and soul-protecting eye, directed towards me? Why do I have such a fierce and crushing consciousness of your liberating love? Why am I smothered by such a dense, beautifully present sense of your peace and goodness? This is an overwhelming influence that I have no desire or need to pull myself free of.
All who call on God in true faith, earnestly from the heart, will certainly be heard, and will receive what they have asked and desired, although not in the hour or in the measure, or the very thing which they ask; yet they will obtain something greater and more glorious than they had dared to ask. (Martin Luther)
God has been using many circumstances in the last month to continue helping me in areas of needed growth. In His wisdom He gives me as many challenges and circumstantial difficulties as I am ready for and willing to learn by. But equally prevalent in His wisdom are the ways He blesses me, reassures me, strengthens me, and calls me into His eternal presence. When I became a Christian, God rescued me from death to life. The process now is about learning to breathe the air of my new life, of this new kingdom.
How This Looks Like For Me
I am going to try to be somewhat brief in mentioning specific circumstances God is using in me right now.
I have been dating a girl for three weeks now. But she is someone who first caught my attention about sixteen months ago! I have remained in contact with her ever since, and she has given me the opportunity to get to know her better and begin to pursue her during the six months I have been here.
At this point, I am pleased to say she has safely passed through the phase of being my best friend to being someone I can mutually have hope of building a life together with. That part is all in God’s hands and one of the challenges is to leave it there. All aspects of this relationship need to be in God’s hands, where He can honor and direct them. This has led to wonderful experiences of dependency and intimacy and at the same time some of my largest lessons and trials of trusting God. But He is the source that turns all things into good (even the very scary and seemingly irrecoverable ones).
Her name is Lesya and she likes to hear that friends and family are behind us no matter what part of the world they are in. She is an amazing blessing and although I try to tell her that often, I am sure I don’t communicate it fully enough! She is more than just a huge help to my life in Ukraine. She is an enormous benefit to my life in all aspects. She is a comforter, encourager, motivator, reminder and teacher. And don’t worry, she speaks amazing English. As Lesya and I seek God’s wisdom and instruction in our relationship, we would like to have your prayers going towards the same end. Thank you!
I have just started leading a Bible study group. I am excited about this and very happy to finally have the process started. The initial preparation and the act of making things happen is usually the hardest step for me. Now that the ball is rolling it will be easier to build its momentum a bit. Our first meeting was on Tuesday of last week, so we are only at the very beginning.
I am using guitar and songwriting as tools to draw people in and find common ground. Basically, we split our time between master classes and Bible study. We are going through a study of Ephesians and I want to help these guys learn how to find and use their abilities for God. A couple of them are very new Christians and it is an honor to help direct their new-found enthusiasm towards lifelong spiritual maturity. Our first meeting was a great encouragement to me because it was the first Bible study I had ever led. Although the group was small, the participation was very inspiring.
Currently the group is all guys who speak English. But that may be changing soon and I will need extra wisdom and practice in how to work casually but effectively through translation. Over all of this project I would really appreciate your prayers as well as any specific insights or pointers that you have for leading a small group. Please feel free, as always, to e-mail me at joshuaingram@gmail.com
Closing Words (Maybe The Most Important Ones)
To everyone reading: thank you again for your care and your prayers and support. I am part of the body of Christ and you are the people God uses to plug me into His picture and plan in exactly the way He wants. We are, all together, the supporting network that pushes each of us personally into meaningful action.
If I may leave you with one expression of challenge, reminder and encouragement, it is this: Surrender. Understand that you are not reliant on your methods or your desires. As much as you may feel dependent on them, they can let you go at any moment and send you into a free fall. But God won’t do that. Even in the appearance of a free fall, where all your treasures are crashing around you and your hands have no ability to catch them or grab onto anything, God is using all circumstances together for the good of those who know and love Him. That “good” is in line with His great plans and purpose for us (Romans 8:28).
Let go. You won’t regret it.
Surrender is the safest place to live. God may redefine “safe” for you but He knows best. After all, He created the universe and reality we live in.
“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
