“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.” 2 Corinthians 4:7
This is something we have been reflecting on lately as this past calendar year has held unexpected challenges and changes, yet so many blessings. The weight of spiritual warfare has weighed incredibly heavy at times, but God’s faithfulness through it all has shone so clear. We regularly remind ourselves that it is because of Christ that we can keep putting one foot in front of the other, fully confident in what He is doing, even when it does not look like anything is happening in the moment. Our cracked vessels “show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us”.
Relationships are a vital part of life. We can see that all around us here in our community, but are still learning how to crack the code to true relationship building. Before coming to the field, we were often told by those who had spent many years in the North that relationship building will simply take a long time. Our experience has proven this to be true. Trust is slow to be built and, currently being in a community that is strong in both Inuit and Western culture, we are very gradually learning the culturally appropriate way of navigating the relationships we have started.
While this can be frustrating at times, feeling like all the wheels are spinning but we are not going anywhere, we think of God’s patience with us… “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise…Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish…” (2 Peter 3:9) and it spurs us to press on and not lose heart.
On a different note, we have another big life change quickly approaching as we prepare for the arrival of Baby Willard near the beginning of December! Being our first child, there are many unknowns and new things ahead of us. But here too, as we desire to carry on with ministry life during this transition, we see an opportunity “to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us” through our jars of clay.
Please pray:
- For growth in relationships — that the Lord would continue to open doors of opportunity and that we would have the eyes to see the cultural nuances that impact relationship building.
- As we prepare for Baby Willard’s arrival:
- A smooth, safe, and healthy delivery
- That there would be no blizzard on the day Cassidy goes into labour (so we can get to the hospital)
- That a Dr. who delivers babies will be on shift
