The struggle is REAL

When people say, “the struggle is real,” it’s usually about something funny and I usually laugh about it. Like, the struggle is real when I have to leave the house in real clothes instead of shorts or stretchy pants. But seriously, we are honestly struggling right this moment. Not financially or physically, but in ways that can’t be seen manifesting physically. Or, maybe you can see it in our eyes.

We’ve been having a lot of struggles lately, and when I say, “the struggle is real,” it is in fact real, and hard. We seem to be fighting a lot of battles lately. Some are clearly spiritual battles; some battles are clearly a test of our marriage, and yet others are clearly a test of character. I find the spiritual battles the most difficult because many of these battles are aimed at destruction – destroying our dreams, our marriage, our friendships, and our relationships with those around us, especially local Mozambicans. 

Living in a foreign country is difficult enough without fighting these battles. But each battle is a part of life, and each battle is a fight against the one who doesn’t want us here. Anytime in our lives when we were going through a lot of difficult stuff, there was a HUGE blessing or a big change around the corner, usually something mind blowing that we never, ever imagined.

I know on the other side of things, God will work everything out for GOOD. He promises that to us in Romans 8:28:

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

In the midst of everything, I read the last part of the verse, over and over again.

ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE

It isn’t about me, or Phil, or even Jadon. It’s about the PURPOSE that God has called us for. It’s not for us to decide the purpose or the way or the road we take, it’s up to HIM. If God is using each of the battles we are walking through to nurture us into the people He foresees us to be, I’m okay with it. As long as the end result is for HIM and it’s what HE wants for me, how can I argue with that? He knows me best, and I trust him with everything in my life, including my future.

So, we’ll keep pressing on. We’ll keep digging in. We’ll keep praying. We’ll keep reading and studying our Bible. We’ll keep our frustrations to ourselves, and give them over to the ONE who knows best.

Lastly, we have a prayer request! If you think of us, will you keep us in your prayers? I (Laura) have been really sick over the last 3-4 weeks. I’ve had some major stomach issues (No, I am not pregnant) and then I recently caught a nasty flu/cold of some kind. I’ve tried probiotics, making ginger or lemon tea, eating, not eating, following the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, apples and toast), drinking Sprite, drinking just soda water, drinking only bottled water, and it seems there’s still no end in sight. I know this is a spiritual battle and I’m praying, but will you pray along with us? And as always, please let us know if we can pray for you about anything. We would feel honored.

Thank you for your love and support. Thank you for letting us open up and be honest about our struggles. We know that together, we can support each other and accomplish so much more!

Love and peace,

Phil, Laura & Jadon, too