"Hills and Valleys"

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."  Psalm 23:4

Isn't it interesting that it is in the toughest times of life that our faith is strengthened and character is built.   There have been so many lessons learned through painful and difficult seasons of our lives, and we know that if it had not been for the grace of God, we would not have made it.  One particular moment comes to mind, a while back when my husband and I just began our journey together.  We were in the middle of central Africa working for God's Kingdom sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ, loving people and living life so full of love and joy as happily married newlyweds.  After driving for many miles on the pot-holed and distressed roads of Africa, we happened upon a quaint and cozy place to stop and refresh with a short walk to a small lake.  Hand in hand we walked down the dusty lane to see this beautiful, quiet water in what seemed like an unusual place.  Arriving at the waters edge, we decided to just sit and bask in the solitude and beauty of our surroundings.  Somehow, oddly enough, we were abruptly just ready to go.  It wasn't typical of us to be in such a rush, and there was certainly no reason at all for us to leave this relaxing place so quickly.  As we stood up and started to walk back to our vehicle, we were met with the sounds of several youngsters feet running towards us as they were loudly conversing with one another, in somewhat of a panic to get a message to us fast!  When we were able to interpret what they had come so urgently to explain to us, we realized that we had left the lake area in just enough time to not find out what their stories were to reveal!  That particular quiet and solitary place we had chosen to find temporary rest at, happened to also be the location that several people had been recently eaten up by one or more crocodile! To say that our hair stood up and our eyes popped wide, would be an understatement. But by the look on their faces and the tones in their young voices, we knew what they were saying to be true.  Thank God we made it out of that area alive! 

Psalm 23 is a reminder that God is our shepherd and we are His sheep.  He has promised to keep us and protect us from all evil, and we know throughout the challenges and danger we have faced from time to time, that He is our Comforter.  Not only does He prepare a table before us in the presence of our enemies, but He also makes "our cup" run over, because of His great mercies and love for us in giving us the Holy Spirit as a daily source of strength.  His Presence refreshes us, just as a beautiful waterfall flows down, so does heaven fall on us because of God's Great Love for you and I, His people.  We belong to Him, and nothing can ever separate us from His unending, unfailing Love.  Be Encouraged and remember that goodness and mercy will follow you all the days of your life, and you shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever and ever.  Listen to the song by Tauren Wells; He is the God of the Hills and Valleys, and I am not alone!  Amen.

"Hold on to your Peace"

"He grants peace to your borders and satisfies you with the finest of wheat."Psalm 147:14

     The peace of God is an unmistakable, unshakable gift from heaven.   In our darkest moments and through the most trying of times, we can rest in the tangible peace that comes from a heart that is totally dependent on God.  Have you ever heard the phrase,  "Let go and let God."  Well, that is just the beginning step of coming into an ongoing relationship of trusting and obeying.  When we learn to listen and heed the direction and promptings of the Holy Spirit in our walk, we will enjoy the full meaning of letting go and letting God!  I know it's easier said than done, but when I am reminded that my faith needs to be simple and pure, almost childlike in nature, than it is easier for me to shed off the religious expectations and condemnations that weigh me down and sometimes even act as barriers to my total ability to trust God and rest in Him alone.
     Throughout the many adventures of travelling worldwide with my husband and ministry partner, I have had the opportunity several times to stop trusting and lose my peace.  For instance, the very first trip I took to Africa with my husband for a missions excursion, I heard the Lord's comforting direction very clearly as I sat in the crowded airplane reading my Bible quietly and praying.  It was not an audible voice at all, but I most assuredly heard God speak to my heart the following.  "Do not fear for I am with you." Isaiah 41:10.  This simple, yet profound message I received that day felt a bit unusual because I have never considered myself to react or proceed in any endeavor with a spirit of fear.  So when I heard this word, I simply jotted it down in my journal and meditated on the goodness of God and His complete hedge of protection, provision, mercy and unconditional love for me his daughter.
      It wasn't until we had landed in Africa and gotten all settled into our new living quarters, that I realized why the Lord had wanted me to receive that word of peace way ahead of the time when I would need it.  I quickly realized how many people in that part of the world live in constant fear for their lives.  It didn't take me long to notice the fenced-in, high-wired homes and properties designed to keep out intruders and criminals.  Car jacking, wild animals, dangerous road conditions, infectious diseases, murders, and the list goes on and on.  My world had just been enlarged, and God was preparing me to walk out the assignment with total peace and confident trust in His protection and direction.  What a wonderful God we have!  One specific event that I recall clearly on that trip was during an outdoor festival that my husband and I had organized.  With an unforeseen turn of weather conditions, we abruptly had to make changes in the evening's itinerary.  But this change was not welcomed with enthusiasm among our tribal guests.  What started out as a friendly, happy crowd of a few hundred people, quickly turned into a full blown riot agitated by stone throwers and angry protesters  who wanted their voices to be heard.  It was a scene.  Joel quietly, but firmly instructed me to get into our little car and lock the doors.  To this day, I don't know how we got out of there alive, but God's peace was all over me and my husband as well.
     During this upsetting event in the course of our first mission trip together, I had the rude awakening that sometimes in this life, the people or things that we thought we could rely on may or may not be able or willing to help us in our time of need.  This was the case for us, because even the police were trying to manipulate the situation and were only available at first for a huge sum of money of which we didn't have.  Somehow, the local officers showed up at the very end to escort us out of the area.  But it was nowhere near the time when we really needed their help!  My point is that we all have to come to the place in life, where we know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God alone is our Source!  He becomes absolutely everything to us and our full identity is in Him alone.  Nothing or nobody can and will ever take His place in my life.  I hope you will or have discovered this life changing realization.
     There are so many more stories I will share at a later time, but for now I trust that you are also seeking God in every endeavor.  Life is a beautiful gift from God and it wasn't meant to be lived without His peace.
   
Today's prayer:  Dear Lord Jesus,  I need the peace of God in my life.  Please help me to trust you and to seek you in all of my life's endeavors.  I know that you are the master potter and I am the clay.  Make something beautiful out of my life and allow me to help many people live with your peace as their portion.  I love you Lord, and am so thankful for your presence and joy that is beyond comparison that anything this world has to offer.  In Jesus' name, amen.