Linda Gulbe & Dace Verdina

Linda
Being back in Latvia without a church has been challenging for me and in these situations I think that we have a couple of choices. We can either lean more into God or drift away. It’s easier to serve and love people if another 100 christians are doing the same – safety in numbers – but what happens when all the usual church routines and activities are taken away? My faith has been challenged for sure throughout this season as I have had to look at what I am actually believing, for myself.

The past year, especially, has been about learning to be still, and waiting on God. What I have learnt is that waiting isn’t a passive process but in the waiting you abide more in God. 

The Hebrew word “wait” literally means to bind together like a cord or the twisting or winding of a strand of cord or rope. The more strands there are in the rope, the greater its strength. Seeking His face and digging deeper into His word is part of the waiting process.

By drawing nearer to God I have been able to love my family and people around me much better. I have noticed a change in my thinking when it comes to non-christians too. I feel so much freer to share or talk about God. I am an introvert as a person but I have started, wherever possible, to speak to people and just wish them a good day or when I feel extra brave, have a blessed day or God bless. 🙂 I know that these aren’t crazy acts of love and service but this is my journey so far.

Willingness to follow Him opens up more space to grow in Him more. God always provides a solution. God feeds the hungry. We are not meant to be alone and even though there is no church here in Smiltene, there is always at least one other person you can walk together with. So in this season God has brought Dace and I together so that we can grow spiritually and encourage each other. We are filled with hope, faith and love and through this, we are bringing light to people around us. 

Dace
When seasons of life change, God is unchanging and so I seek His face, His presence.
Psalm 36:9 says: For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light.

When I think about my love for God, the first thing that comes to my mind is worship, praise, worship, praise, worship. I Turn all my whole being to Him. To the One who is worthy to receive all praise and glory. I give God praise when moments are taught, I turn my physical eyes and spiritual eyes to the One.

When I feel low or I worry about life, I like to be outside to take a walk in a park. I can see in these moments that in these places when I am without hope, without love and I’m not aware of the presence of God with me that it’s like there’s fog standing between me and God. In these moments I choose to to physically turn my head toward the sky and start I singing:

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look fully in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

As I sing, my focus is changed from me, from problems, from darkness and from lies to the One who has ALL hope, love and strength. In the presence of Jesus all lies that I am believing become clear, whatever they are – whether thoughts full of criticism, of judgement about myself or judgement about others. In the presence of the One who loves unconditionally I repent, confess, forgive and receive forgiveness and let go of darkness and I break my attachment to lies, pain and darkness.

And so I let go, let go, let go as I listen to the Father’s voice that speaks life to me. His peace, love, grace, kindness and hope fill my spirit, soul and body: Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Mt 11:28)

In God is my salvation and my glory; The rock of my strength, And my refuge, is in God. Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. (Ps 62:7-8).

Secondly, I do what He says. Very openly I tell Father God about what was or is happening, what I think and feel. I Share with Him emotions such as shame, guilt, pain, fear and hopelessness. In these heart-sharing times I see and recognise my poor, negative beliefs. And always His grace and love leads me to repentance, changing lies into God’s truth. I come to the Father with sin and I leave loved, fulfilled with hope and strength.

My longing is to be loved so I can love others around me .

I am loved in His beloved son Jesus Christ all the time and through all seasons. This is the truth that changes everything: Father You love me. I Come to you. I let You love me.

God is good.