Today's guest blogger is Anne Dryburgh. Anne is a
missionary in Flemish speaking Belgium since 1991 doing evangelism and biblical
counseling. She is certified with the IABC and ACBC. Anne's ministry is unique and I know she would appreciate prayer as
she ministers to those around her. These posts will give you an idea of what
she faces in her ministry, and how important biblical counseling is to the
people she serves.
Several
years ago Sylvia’s heart changed. Instead of allowing herself to be coerced
into sin by family members who claimed the name of Christ, she decided to live
for the glory of Christ first. This decision had huge repercussions in her life
as her family members revealed what was going on in their hearts.
Mild
insinuations turned into veiled or outright threats about what would happen to
her if she dared to go against them. Insinuations about her were made to
others, resulting in their minds being poisoned against her. Ostracism, a
ruined reputation, lost relationships, and financial hardships were
heartbreaking daily reality for Sylvia. The pain and loneliness was extreme.
Yet Sylvia trusted by faith that the Lord is judge.
Every
day she was faced with a choice: what or whom shall I trust? Who do I believe
is in control of my life? Can the Lord protect and preserve me in the midst of
such horrible bullying?
Sylvia
learned that God is sovereignly in control of the circumstances of her life.
Regardless of what her family did to her, she had everything in Christ to live
for his glory every single day. Sylvia decided that instead of living in fear
of what others would do to her, or trying to second-guess their actions, she
would focus on the Lord as sovereign King.
The
story of Joseph in Genesis was particularly helpful for her. Even though he was
sold by his brothers, falsely accused and imprisoned by Potiphar’s wife, and
forgotten about by those he helped, he could see God’s hand and purpose at work
in his life. Amazingly he said to his brothers: “As for you, you meant evil
against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people
should be kept alive, as they are today” (Genesis 50:20).
Like
Joseph, Sylvia trusted that although her family had evil intentions, God was
using their behavior for his purposes. She trusted that God would use what was
happening in her life to further his glory and kingdom.
As a
result, her family came to lose their power and control over her. The ostracism
remains, but Sylvia has grown to become a woman who is largely free of what had
been a paralyzing fear of man. She now supports other woman who are similarly
imprisoned by fear so that they live and rest in the care of the Lord.
In this
way, Genesis 50:20 has become true in her life as well.
Labels: Guest Blogger - Dryburgh