"Two words come to mind: surreal and peace. As I sit here, I am so aware of His presence."
Of the many lessons He has graciously taught me over the years, one of the most significant is that my intellect, that is my ability to reason and to think, is to be - at best - complementary to my faith, never used to override my faith.
Too many times the temptation comes and the bait is taken such that our thoughts or the opinions of others override His whisper. For me, I knew I had heard Him; a journey to South Africa was the next step for me so much so I considered it a done deal the day I booked my ticket. Not going was never an option.
A little over thirty hours, and I landed. God's provision of grace and patience was with me with every passing minute, including ten and a half hours of the eleven hour flight from Paris to South Africa where I sat unable to get up (hello!?) because the fellow in the aisle seat was dead to the world! Have mercy! (And God did! I'm telling you my ability to sit in that seat for ten and a half hours was a test of the will, but greater still a miracle... and I don't use that word lightly!) Amazing and notable even to me, I was not anxious nor weary the whole of the trip there.... it still astounds me as I think back on it! Though, I did welcome the gift of going horizontal in a comfy bed after those thirty one hours.
The first couple of days Valerie and I went around visiting various aspects of the topography. Even now, I struggle to find the words concerning all that surrounded me. Massive mountains met massive prairies and massive prairies met massive oceans, both the Atlantic and the Indian.
One particular day we were coming down out of the mountains and Valerie had mentioned we would be coming upon a huge beach. Sure enough, as we made our way, my eyes were fixed on an expansive beach, more specifically though the tiny, yet discernible, specks that came into view. Those specks were people!
In the scope of the massive landscape all around me, here were specks, almost imperceptible, and yet the Spirit, being so very alert within, highlighted the absolute fact that God not only sees us specks, but loves us AND chooses to inhabit those who are willing! That is a miracle of cosmic proportions!
I have never felt so small, yet so set apart, in my life. Awe struck.... completely awe struck! Please take a moment and mediate on the Spirit's indwelling miracle that salvation bestows upon us. I am forever grateful.
Apart from Him, it is so easy to think too little or too highly of ourselves. With Him and under His tutelage, the proper perspective of "self" is a lesson not easily grasped. But having been created in God's image, we are significant.... significant to the Most High to the extreme point that He sent His Son to die and then triumphantly rise again. But please understand: HE is the Element that brings justification to our significance.
Apart from Him we are dead unto sin and can do nothing..... absolutely nothing....of eternal value. (John 15:5) The flip-side to 'nothing' however is Jesus' words (John 14: 12-14) that those who believe in Him would do even greater works than He. Clearly, in Him, we have significance. Again, proper perspective of self is not a lesson easily grasped, but well worth embarking on the Spirit's education on the matter!
One of my greatest delights was attending a small gathering of believers at a home one evening. The most notable observation to me was their radiant JOY in the midst of great trials.
Not a single one of them was exempt from traversing difficult terrain, and I do mean DIFFICULT. The host and hostess had just picked up a newborn, not even a week old, abandon by the birth mother because she could not afford to keep her. Heart-breaking to hear the persistent cries of the baby girl wanting to hear the familiar heart beat and voice of her birth mama to no avail, but what blessed patience that couple displayed as they used every method at their disposal to communicate their love and care for her.
Then there was the precious sister in the Lord.... a nurse... who was awaiting news of a possible return of a tumor behind her eye, but all she could talk about was a pending transport of thirty something patients to a new hospital; her joy and excitement tangible as she talked about the need for road closures and police escorts to get it done over the coming weekend. Clearly, she lived to serve, not be served.
Then there was the single mother... her story of God's faithfulness over the years should be put into book form for all to read, having lost husband (the "love of her life") and son in a horrible accident... yet answering the call to dedicate her life to counseling others through life's hardships with tangible JOY.
I could go on. Three other stories come rushing to my remembrance, but the blanketing point remains with me as it did that night: God had indeed filled them to overflow by His Spirit with all hope and peace as they leaned into Him as their hope and their stay. (Romans 15:13)
Each of those siblings are forever imprinted into my heart and will serve as everlasting reminders of God's faithfulness in the midst of hardships! What an incredible, sustaining Father we indeed do have!
You know, I was asked in the weeks leading up to my pilgrimage, "Why Africa?" I had no concrete answer apart from "It's where He has asked me to go. Perhaps it's a simple matter of obedience." And that was all I in fact had to go on until I arrived.
Do you all remember me sharing my long walkabout when He asked me to walk to the airport?
Certainly He has in my past asked me to do things without reason, but remember what I said at the beginning of this post? One of THE greatest hurdles man must master is to bridle, under the power and direction of the Spirit, our God-given ability to reason and to think.
Reasoning is a powerful gift, but a dangerous faith killer IF not harnessed and submitted under God's authority.
I didn't need a reason to go to South Africa apart from His request. But He did indeed journey with me there and met me every single day with life-confirming words and clarity of purpose.
I pray for each of you reading this right now. No matter where you are on your life's journey with God commit to growing, commit to being stretched beyond what is comfortable, beyond what is known. I have long since said, "A close walk with God is utterly hinged to our obedience to Him."
Be the child that obeys
without asking, "Why?"
I can testify that the reward is indeed great!
I can testify that the reward is indeed great!
If I walk off into the sunset with my Lord one day, it will be my greatest JOY! Sincerely....
Journey on, dear siblings; journey on! ♡
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