I’ve been in Lille for about one month now, and I only have another two weeks to go before I move on to Thumeries. I’ll be very sad to leave, but I am so thankful for the time I’ve had, the people I’ve met and the things I’ve learnt. Just this week, I was thinking about my time here and I felt to take some time, sit down, and really work out with the Lord what has been happening on this journey. I felt that He had been showing me bits and pieces, but that I had yet to put the whole puzzle together. Some of you have probably got bits and pieces of this puzzle as I shared various bits. Thank you for all your prayers!
I came to France not knowing exactly what God was going to do, but knowing I was here to learn and to work alongside Him. I have discovered a rich training ground for language, culture, world history, church history, spiritual discernment and perseverance in faith. The Lord has been my protector, my provider and my lover. He has answered every word, and has been faithful to His promise that he will be with me to the very end [Matthew 28:18-20].
I’ve faced some challenges, but the Lord has provided confirmation, assurance and encouragement so I am strengthened in my inner being, through His Holy Spirit, in faith to stand firm in Him, and stand firm in knowledge of His love. He has filled me with His joy and I have had the privilege of hearing the beautiful testimonies of my brothers and sisters here in France who are so blessed and loved by the Lord. I am so thankful for the fellowship in the Spirit I have been able to enjoy here in Lille.
I’m also being reminded of my primary-high school days when I listened to a wider range of music, and read many more books. I’ve been really blessed to be living with people who have journeyed longer than I have, and have received a spirit of wisdom from the Lord. As I’ve visited museums, art galleries and spoken to various people, I’m seeing more and more the “big picture” of God’s work through the ages and in the time to come. I’m really learning a lot in this short period and I have yet to get my head around some things but wow! Anyway, I basically live in a library which books in English and French so I’m slowly making use of the opportunity!
Two themes that seem to have popped up time and time again:
- The importance of local fellowship (being involved with a local church)
- The persecution of Israel and the role of the nations in their persecution and restoration.
More on this later. I think I will be reading 1 Corinthians and 1 Peter.
Thank you again for all your prayers!
Love and blessings,
Kristen
lostnowfoundk's Blog 