A drop of water falls, splashing upon the page. Only these are not tears, but the bodies cooling mechanism in response to the scorching heat of an Indian sun. I have read Afghanistan is the land of a thousand splendid suns, but in the melting presence of this one magnificent ball of fire, I dare to make the claim one is sufficient for me. Perhaps coincidentally I find myself in the same place spiritually, the reverent all of the splendid son. Now returning to the event at hand sweat saturates my body aboard this train bound for an unknown land, while a puzzling peace permeates through my inner being.
Amidst the sketchy uncertainty of this train scenario I find myself thanking God for the many blessings, victories claimed and to come and the simple joys in my life. His voice echoes over the plethora of other noises, including worries and uncertainties, rattling through the cognitive processes of my brain, and he says, “We have journeyed a long way son, and this train ride is only the end to the beginning of the beginning. I will not leave you nor forsake you, and there is much to be done. My peace will find you just as you find yourself in reflection today, and you will know I am right here with you on this little toy train.”
A few blogs ago I wrote a poem about peace. In the heat of a moment, trying to organize and lead a team through the chaos of a train ride through India, God gave me that peace that is captured in those few lines. The peace that passes all understanding, where everything you see reflects Gods creating hand, where everywhere you look seems to remind you of our Lord, and thanksgiving flows from your lips as natural as honey seeps from a bee hive.
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4: 4 – 7
Upon the completion of our train ride and the arrival at our ministry site I found my heart searching for how to approach this final month. One of the thoughts God brought to mind is the fact that there are no endings to my relationship with him. When thinking about the end of this season and reflecting on the year, he has spoken clearly to me that this is a time to set the pace for this fall, the next season. A time to bring my relationship with him to the forefront and launch back into the States with not only the things I have learned this year, but the presence of God permeating from my spirit. Beware of falling into Satan’s trap, he has said, of becoming so content with what you have learned this year and how far I have brought you that you push me aside. That you go home with the intent of sharing what I have done in your life this year and in your neglect, you forget to bring the most important thing, my presence.
— A prayer for the month…
Strengthen me this August, oh Lord. I trust in you, yes I trust in you. I ask that you not allow me to settle this month, but you humble me like Jesus. I pray in reverence for a deeper recognition of your sovereignty, yes Lord may I tremble in humility. As your word says I will seek and find you this month, and may I find you in the fullness of your resplendent glory. I will claw my way up the high mountain to see your transfiguration, be it stricken to my knees and sore afraid or not. And may my heart burn with a scorching flame of passion for your word throughout this short time. Give me understanding and Godly wisdom Father, and above all please give me truth. Kindly consider this a humble request from your feeble child, meek friend, and undeserving bride.
Love,
Dex
