I haven’t talked to my family/updated supporters for 4 weeks now. So I risked it and bought a bus ticket to a cafe in Nisela in hopes of getting wifi. Got to Nisela (about 20 minutes from where we are staying) and the wifi was down. Naturally I was a little disappointed because I hadn’t talked to my family/friends for a while at this point, but the Lord quickly reminded me that despite the unfortunate situation He is still good.
The same morning I was making breakfast and was like, “I could really go for some Whitney Houston” (which is funny because that isn’t my usual bop). Anyways, Lexi and I are sitting in Nisela and clear as day we hear, “I will always love you” by Whitney Houston playing through the speakers. Not only was it Whitney but the lyrics were as if God was declaring them over us in that moment. Even though we were feeling a little down because of the whole wifi situation the Lord reminded us of what is most important; His infinite love for us. I think it is easy to become frustrated and question God when things like that happen. When things don’t go how we’d like them to. But God is so constant, His love is steadfast and never runs dry. And in any situation in life whether good or bad we can praise the Lord because He is good!! Even though I didn’t get wifi and wasn’t able to talk to my family the Lord isn’t any less good, He is abounding in love and desiring to give me a little taste of Him.
Another thing the Lord revealed to me through this situation was the importance of solitude in Him. Before I left for the race, I was constantly on the go. I filled my schedule to the brim in order to avoid dealing with the hard and sticky feelings. But here in Nsoko, Swaziland that isn’t an option. Mostly because we have no power or electricity to distract us from where we are, and the only option is to deal with those tough feelings. And the reality is the Lord is so intentional to us, and sometimes we are too distracted to see it. I know I was. Being detached with no connection has brought so much growth and awareness of God in my life. The Lord has been showing me just how distracted and detached I was from Him. I didn’t realize it until all those things that were once at my fingertips are now unaccessible. Just the simple privilege of having wifi 24/7 or being able to talk to someone by a click of a button. Those things aren’t my reality anymore and as much as I’d love to talk to my family and friends frequently, the Lord is showing Himself greater in the process. Those things that my flesh naturally went to first the Lord is now reminding me of what is most important. He is taking me by the hand and saying, “I have been here all along, come to me first.” This detachment is necessary because those things I turned to naturally were never fulfilling. The truth about it is God should be my instinct, the first person I turn to. And it is crazy to say that it took taking away what I was used to to get me there. It is hard and sometimes confusing, but God has never failed to show up each and every time. So I encourage you, go against what is natural to your flesh. Put down your phone when you’re waiting in line to order at chipotle. Turn off the television after you’ve watched episode after episode of New Girl. Stop mindlessly scrolling through Instagram and be productive with your time. Sometimes God wants to show you something but you were too distracted to see it. Be present where you are. Breathe in and listen. He will speak. He will move. We must have the eyes to see and the ears to hear.
“Oh, Fear the Lord, you his saints; for those who fear Him have no lack! The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing!” -Psalm 34:9-10
“They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore” -Revelation 7:16
“For He satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul He fills with good things.” -Psalm 107:9
Dear God,
I pray that the you will be first in each and every day of our lives. I pray that we will break away from old habits and create new ones that are rooted in you. May your voice be the loudest in our lives. I pray that anything that distracts us from your voice will be made evident so that we can focus on you, God. Thank you that you are constantly pursuing us and giving grace when we don’t deserve it. We love you and we are thirsty for more of you, satisfy our longing souls! Amen.
