Psalm 23 is a popular scripture that we recite often. I know I memorized Psalm 23 for the first time when I was in the 1st grade. It was the first chapter of the Bible that I memorized and will always hold a special place in my heart. I love how the Lord continually speaks to us through His word. Each time I read or meditate on Psalm 23 I get something different from it.
In Madagascar, I was sick the entire month. Sunday night was our second night in Madagascar, I had a fever, felt weak, nauseous, my lymph nodes were swollen and my throat hurt. I went to the clinic with another racer the next morning and we were told we had strep throat or throat infections. I had only had strep throat once before and it did hit me hard and fast, the same as this infection. After more than a week of rest, fluids and medication I was getting better. Then I had a stomach bug and people told me that I was literally green as my GI system was clearing me out in both directions. As my GI troubles cleared up, I then had something similar to the flu. My co-leader, Leanne was convinced I had caught the plague – which has been on the rise in Madagascar.
I am thankful for the good health that I usually have, only falling sick once every few years. I was frustrated with the Lord when I was sick the entire month and only made it off the compound where we were living, 3 days for ministry or to go to the clinic, during the 3 weeks were stayed on the compound.
Some great things that came out of me being sick and only on the compound were:
“He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness, For His name’s sake.” Psalm 23:2-3
– Loads of time to spend with the Lord praying
+ unity in the squad
+ trust to breakout throughout the squad – trusting the squad leaders, squad members,
team leaders, AIM leadership and most importantly, trusting the Lord
+ processing what the Lord had done in me in Africa, why He brought me there
+ lifting up my broken family, talking about my role and what I should do to help my family
+ impressing upon me the importance of rest – I have struggled with rest for a long time as
I have not slept “normally” in more than 20 years and enjoying being on the go.
I was refreshed in my intimacy with the Lord while being sick. He reminded me that half of my ministry each day is the people around me. I was able to rest on the compound and spend time with the squad and pour into them. The compound we lived on was for battered women and I was able to form some relationships with a few of the women. Sharing my story with them and encouraging them.
Has the Lord made you to lie down in green pastures lately?
