Our God is greater

As I spent the last 6+ hours in absolute pain, enduring through miserable stomach problems, I was sweetly and quickly reminded of this verse,

“Some trust in chariots and some

in horses, but we trust in

the name of the Lord our God.”  Psalm 20:7

Where is my trust when it comes to pain and sickness?  Is it in medicine? In my own methods of remedy? In doctors?  Or is it in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior?  As I suffered for long hours without air conditioner, half of the time without power, and without the comfort of my Mom or Rob (who I always want and need when I am experiencing sickness), the Holy Spirit taught me a valuable lesson...

“Trust in the Lord with all your

heart, and lean not on your own understanding.

 In ALL your ways

acknowledge Him, and He will

make straight your paths.”  Proverbs 3:5-6

I have heard and read this passage what seems to be a million times, but the Holy Spirit never opened my eyes to the truth it holds until today.  This command does not say, in “some” of your ways, or in “most” of your ways, but in ALL of your ways acknowledge Him!  What conviction I was feeling!  I am so so prone to trust in Him with what I deem as the “big” things in life (like the salvation of others, my future marriage, coping with death, etc.) but in the small things, where does my trust lie?  I praise God for His grace to speak to me through His Holy Spirit during my struggle, rather than after my pain had subsided.  He gave me strength to seek healing from the ultimate healer and physician and vulnerability to ask for prayer from others!  Thank you Mom & Dad, Rob, Tinsley, Lindsey and Megan for going to war against the enemy with me!  I am 100% convinced that this was just one more ploy of the enemy’s to try to get me down and destroy what God has me doing in Tanzania.  But you know what?  HE WILL NOT SUCCEED!!!!  For what Satan intends for evil, God intends for good!  Ahhhh!!  Let this resonate and feel the weight of this for a minute…. we serve a God that has power over sickness, natural disasters, demons, and death!!!  The words to the chorus of Chris Tomlin’s song, “Our God is Greater” has been replaying in my mind all day…..

“Our God is greater

Our God is stronger

God, you are higher

than any other!

Our God is healer,

Awesome in power,

Our God, Our God!!!!”

Oh that we would “taste and see that the Lord is good!” (Psalm 34:8).  As I sit in the same room that I have been in for the past 6 hours and 54 minutes, I can’t help but praise God for His mercy and love to teach me valuable life lessons through my pain.  May I be reminded of this when (not if, but when) I am targeted again by the enemy!!! 

On a lighter note, Happy Valentine’s Day from Tanzania!  I pray that today has been a time for everyone to reflect on the love that God has blessed us all with.  No, not on our spouse or fiancé or significant other, not on our children or grandchildren, but on our one true love….. Jesus Christ!  May this be ever present on our minds and hearts as we strive to do just that…..

“Greater love has no one than this,

that someone lays down his life for his friends.”  John 15:13

And that is our greatest love….the love of Jesus Christ.  The love that laid down His life for us… that “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”  (Romans 5:8).  Oh God, make us focus on that love today rather than on red roses, chocolates and candied hearts!  Bring us to our knees in thanksgiving as we celebrate the love that allows us to love others in return!

My Valentine from Anna

Even though my Valentine from Rob has not arrived in Dar es Salaam yet, I did receive a Valentine from a new friend!  For those of you who have been praying for Anna's salvation and my time with her..... THANK YOU!  Please keep praying!  I will update you soon on the time we spent together last weekend!  There is power in prayer -- thank you!!