The Threshing: We have just left Costa Rica and entered into Nicaragua. If the last month of my life in Costa Rica was a book I would give it the title of “threshing”. I was stretched thin spiritually and physically working day in and out on a farm and striving to keep my spirit fed. I was spending time in the word but feeling discouraged in my day to day. I didn’t always see it but now that I am in a new country I am thanking Lord for the hard moments I had.
This morning during my quiet time I was given the analogy of threshing in the book of Isaiah. Isaiah compares the Lord and his people to a threshing of a wheat harvest. The process of harvesting a batch of wheat always includes a period of threshing. The threshing is not meant to destroy the wheat, but rather to expose what is valuable in it. The threshing is what makes the wheat useable. The Lord used this analogy of threshing to show me that I was enduring a period of threshing during Costa Rica so that what is valuable in me may be exposed for me to best love his children this month.
I was reminded of this verse, “Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!” Isaiah 30:18 Thank you Father for allowing me to go through the threshing with your compassion and grace. I am so blessed to be with you serving in your kingdom!! I know you will bless me because I have waited for you.
As my team and I have stepped into Nicaragua I am excited to see how he uses the valuable parts he drew out of me after the threshing. Please be praying for my team this month as we are working with women who are recovering from prostitution. We are working with an organization that invites women off the streets and gives them the discipleship and vocational training they need to thrive in their barrios (neighborhoods). This organization does an incredible job equipping and loving these women where they are. Our team is excited to work alongside them and bring an abundance of love to their habitants.
Sending my love from Nicaragua!!
Katherine
