Today, I was able to venture closer to the water's edge for a study break. I have been enduring the effects of the negative of being by a large mass of water. It was time to enjoy the serenity of the positive of the water's song it makes crashing to the shore. While sharing the sites of the beautiful lake I thought I would also include reminders that it brought of His many Promises!
Wright Wrote:
"But in another sense part of the point is that God always wanted humans to be part of the action, not just spectators. God made humans to reflect his image — his presence, his love, his plans — into the world. That's why he himself came into the world as a human being. And that's why Jesus called Peter, Andrew, James and John, and the others. They weren't ready. They weren't expecting it. But that's how Jesus worked then, and that's how he works to this day."
Be like walking into the tournament season with a team you found on your way to the stadium! But, that is how our God works! Making a master piece out of the unexpected! "Jesus called out to them, 'Come follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!" And they left their nets at once and followed him." (Matthew 4:19)
"But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you.O Israel, the one who formed you says, "Don't be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior."
(Isaiah 43:1-3)
"Hosanna!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!" "Hosanna in the highest heaven!"
(Mark 11: 9 & 10)
These days I find great challenge and comfort reading the accounts of Paul and his letters in scripture. Second Corinthians has brought great comfort the last many weeks especially chapter twelve. Verse 8 "Three different times I begged the Lord to take it all away. Each time he said, "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." This isn't the first time I have begged and I am sure it will not be the last! We do face trial of many kind within this fallen world, don't we?! I have asked more than three different times! I hope/beg that I don't have to experience a third or more recurring bout of malaria! In no way can I compare myself to the steadfastness of Paul but I can say this. Malaria has ran sacked my poor body. My tired self has been to battle fighting this thing for many weeks. Along with keeping up on my Swahili classes I am one tired puppy! (And to boot I miss my puppy!) Like the disciples (even with some of my training and gifting) I am not always sure what I am doing but I have learned to expect the unexpected! For it is not by my own accord that I wade through my day here in Tanzania! As my tired body struggles to get out of bed each day there is an inner core found, by grace of God, great strength. A great deal of what is happening in and through me I can confidently say is only by God!
- Pray for continued strength! And that all the parasites are gone!
- endurance for one more week till break! Next Saturday I get to go home for a week!
- continued understanding and processing of the language
- That God be glorified in my weakness!
Swahili Words with Wendy
wavu/nyavu ~ net(s)
ndege ~ bird
maji ~ water
tumaini ~ hope
fuata ~ follow
Hey!
ReplyDeleteThis is Echo again. I commented and emailed you a couple of times.
It sounds like God is doing so so so much!
I am sorry you have malaria. I am praying!
Peace and joy be with you and blessings! I would love to hear more!
~ Echo