50/20 Vision

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.





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