From the dry bone valley
Thinking about the dry bone valley makes me ponder on several things:
1. A dry bone valley is a sad view of reality
2. It makes me feel hopeless
3. I feel like going away from it
4. God asks me to speak truth to it
5. He transforms it into something alive
I have not reach point 4 yet. Sometimes I wonder why I chose to work in this kind of job. Then I reflect that Jesus also went through times of hard reality, death, treason, frustration and… after dying… RESURRECTION. Isn't the story of Easter?
I just talked on the phone with one disciple that finds so hard to grow; reaching his 30’s, he was kind of distant with me because last time together I helped him to face certain realities that were very hard to accept.
Why do we fight growth? Why do I? Because… it hurts…
God allowed me to get involved in very hard situations:
I’m helping a married couple facing separation. At one point thinking that things were going better to realize later, that little or nothing really had changed.
I just discovered that a friend was living a double life, full of lies and sin.
I’m counseling a widow that lost her husband because of a heart attack. He was also my friend. For the first time I had to speak at a funeral. Speaking the Word of God in the midst of pain and confusion because of death was a whole new experience.
I can keep writing about people who are facing very hard realities, some of them sit on my couch to tell me their stories.
So many times I felt hopeless… and you know what? it is a good thing because it means that God can step in and change them.
I also experience that many of you emailed me to tell me that you were praying or to send me a Bible verse or to say “I’m with you” Those emails are so great to receive! I felt so encouraged by many of you, thanks!
From the resurrection valley
On the other hand God has been doing something in my life. For the first time in many years I’m experience freedom in some areas of my existence. I’m rejoicing in God’s mercy and grace!
Claudia and I are having opportunities of helping couples in their struggles. We will start another couple workshop in May. There are already people waiting to start it because they heard how good it was from people that have attended before.
I’m preaching at 2 different churches every month. In one I started a series on marriage, inspire by a book that Roy Williamson (a good friend who some of you know) recommended “The Meaning of Marriage” By Tim Keller. Excellent book on marriage that will benefit anyone who wants to understand better what is God’s idea on marriage. At the other church I’m preaching a series on the book of Romans. The letter to the Romans has been used by God to speak to me in many ways. Last Sunday a 19 old mother received Christ after the talk on “repentance”. So praise the Lord!
I have been connecting with my kids more. Specially with Martin Jr. Since he is now at home in the morning, we talk and read together the Bible and we are currently reading “A tale of three kings” by Gene Edwards a great book on the subject of brokenness and submission.
God is always good. I’m learning that whenever I lean on my own strengths things are forced, but now that I “relaxed” on God’s leading, things tend to happen better than when I push them.
Thanks to all of you for your prayers and support. We need more of both to keep going and doing God’s will in Argentina.
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