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| Puerto Plata, Republica Domincana |
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run win perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on JESUS, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning it's shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider HIM who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
Hebrews 12:1-3
Last week, my first week here, was hard and I felt like each day was just a scratch off on the calendar telling me I was one day closer to home. I didn't like that I was doing that but I couldn't find any sense of comfort. There are a lot of things in the Dominican Republic that are similar to the United States, but a lot of things that are very different.. The food for one is very different, the language, the way men treat women when walking places, and the lack of air conditioner! I realized that my prayers sounded more like "God give me strength to get through this" rather than "God give me strength to pour into this."
I came across this verse yesterday and was amazed at the words it spoke. Jesus endured everything that we previously, presently, and in the future will endure. He knows our pain that we feel because he endured it all himself, and ultimately paid the price for our sins. I think of how he never gave up on his purpose even when so many people turned their backs on him, all for my sin, not even for his own gain. That is someone I look up to; that is someone I am okay with being in love with.
As I go through the rest of this week, I will remember this verse. And as I meet with young girls tonight who come from a place where having a man is seen as the only successful life, what a great thing for them to know that our father in heaven endured so much for us so that we can live our lives in freedom from the things of this world and not grow weary or lose heart.
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| At the ISA office |
