Well, as you know we discovered that the bugs did spread into the upstairs. This was a very frustrating realization and obviously a bit overwhelming. The truth is that it is an impossible situation that is way beyond our ability to take care of and this was just confirmation of that fact. I don’t say that in a defeated way, but rather just facing up to the reality of the situation. There is no way in the world that we will find every bug or be able to put all of the bugs in the freezer or be able to kill every bug with fumigation. They are so microscopically small that it takes careful, diligent, thorough examination to even find any, and even if we were to examine every item we owned, we’d still miss some. That being said we were definitely at a loss as to how to move forward at this point.

Our time is limited with less than 2 weeks before we leave. The stuff that is already in the freezer (that was actually infested) is due to come out next Tuesday. That will give us exactly one week to get it all defrosted and dried out so that it can be packed away. If we were to put more stuff in the freezer at this point it wouldn’t come out until at least next Thursday and we feel that it is just not reasonable/possible to try to deal with that amount of stuff coming out of the freezer and having to be thawed, dried, and packed in five days. While humanly speaking it “just makes sense” to freeze absolutely everything possible, we don’t think it’s reasonable and we think that something would be missed anyway. That’s why I say it is an impossible situation…but, with God NOTHING is impossible. So what should we do? That was the question we were both pondering this morning when I left at 10:15 to go to the store and take the girls to a playtime/mom’s fellowship at a friend’s house.

When I left I knew that James was discouraged and didn’t know what to do, so when he called me at my friend’s house around 11:45 and sounded happy/encouraged/uplifted and said that he had good news, obviously I was curious. As it turns out he had the opportunity to talk with a trusted friend/mentor in the states on skype and after dialoguing and praying about the situation he was encouraged/strengthened by the following truths that God gave through this friend:

“I tell you my son to continue to seek my face even during your time in the States, that you would be faithful to me in all things, for I desire your faithfulness. Do not worry about the concerns you’ve put before me, but know that I will take care of them and that the problem will be solved for you. Continue to follow my footsteps, follow where I’m leading and guiding you and do not be concerned for I am your provider and I will continue to provide.”

Hearing, “I will take care of [these concerns]” and “the problem will be solved for you” takes a great weight off of us and rests it firmly in God’s hands.  We praise Him for His faithfulness and the mercy that He has shown us in this situation.

We are grateful for the encouragement to stand firm on God’s promises and to continue to seek to honor Him.  We took the opportunity to look up some verses that draw out some of these truths.

Seek my face:
Jeremiah 29:13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.
Psalm 27:8 You have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says to you, “Your face, LORD, do I seek.”
Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Be faithful to God:
John 8:31-32 Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Romans 4:20-21 No unbelief made [Abraham] waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.
1 Cor 16:13-14 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.
James 5:11 Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.

Do not worry:
Phil 4:6-7 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
1 Peter 5:6-11 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Know that I will take care of your problem(s):
Psalm 91:14-16 “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”
Psalm 37:4-5 Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.

Walk in my ways/follow where I’m leading/guiding you
Psalm 37:23-24 The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand.
Proverbs 4:23-27 Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you. Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.

Trust my promise that I am your Provider
Phil 4:19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
2 Cor 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work

So what’s the plan? We’re leaving what’s in the freezer there until next Tuesday. And what’s not already gone to the freezer (and isn’t infested, just has a few random bugs) is being packed away in the attic. We’re trusting that God is in control of this situation and that He will accomplish His purposes through it (and we’re praying that means that He will prevent these last few bugs from living/spreading).