This post is an effort to clear up any misunderstanding that we may have a very naive idea of what people are "really" thinking about our insane journey! There are a few of you who may try and build a little pedestal for us to be placed upon, as I discussed in the last post. And, as I said there, that is one of my greatest fears in sharing our journey. On the other hand, we are very aware that a large majority of our family and friends think us very foolish for our unexplainable actions that we label "faith" and "obedience!" The thing is, I'm not afraid of that perspective at all. In fact, I expect it! Scripture tells me to be ready for it! And we've had enough experience to prove it will, in fact, come.
I Cor. 1:26-29
Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world's eyes, or powerful, or wealthy when God called you. Instead, God deliberately chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose those who are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important, so that no one can ever boast in the presence of God."
I Cor 5:13-15
"If it seems that we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God. And if we are in our right minds, it is for your benefit. Whatever we do, it is because Christ's love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for everyone, we also believe that we have all died to the old life we used to live. He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live to please themselves. Instead, they will live to please Christ, who died and was raised for them."
We understand that our ways seem foolish to many, especially in light of the world's economic status in the natural realm. But God lives in the SUPERnatural realm and calls us to live in that realm with Him. With Him is the peace that SURPASSES our understanding.
Some of you struggle with our description of "living by faith." In fact, the other day, we were visiting friends. A friend of theirs was listening in on our craziness and when Heath said we were living by faith, his response reminded me of how many of you may feel. He said, "What do you mean . . .living by faith? You mean, I open my wallet?" We just laughed.
In case you struggle with that feeling or understanding of what is in our minds when we say "living by faith," let me attempt to explain what we really feel. It may appear that we are now depending on people to support us. And it is true, there will, most likely, be people who give gifts to us that will help to support us financially. But we are not looking to people to provide. That is why, under the "Isaiah's Stump" ministry covering, all donations we receive are anonymous. If you give us $10 or $10,000 we won't know. And we won't expect any more from you if you give one time or every month. We are seeing your gifts as from the hand of the Lord. We don't see you at all. And if you don't feel like giving to us ever or don't feel God is asking you to help us, we aren't going to question that AT ALL. We won't even ask you to reconsider. When I start freaking out about our finances, I'm not even tempted to think, "Oh, I hope so and so (our big donor) won't let us down this month!" We aren't asking for monthly pledges, we aren't even asking for you to help. Those who do, we believe, are prompted by the Holy Spirit.
[DISCLAIMER: This is NOT a knock on anyone who is with an organization that has to raise support, gain a support team or does not have the option of anonymous giving. We are only explaining our own experience and perspective.]
I'm not going to keep rambling. The long of the short of it is that we don't need your money. We aren't asking for your money. God has asked us to step out and be radical and HE has to come through for us once again! Some moments I'm sure He will. Other moments, I'm shaking in my boots, HOPING He will. In either instance, I'm not hoping you will give me money. And all in all, Heath is working very hard to eventually come to the place where he is making money. We believe God is leading him in this.
Once again, thanks for reading. Love and peace to you,
emie
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