I’m often amazed at the way the Lord speaks through the mundane. Jesus spoke in parables to explain profound truths in Scripture, and when we listen, He still speaks in parables today. Since I’ve been on the Race, He has taught me so much through the most ordinary of things. It’s quickly becoming one of my favorite (and most unexpected) aspects of the last couple of months.
Take mosquitoes, for example. These are the peskiest, most obnoxious creatures. Honestly. I’ve loved Central America. The people, the landscapes, the culture…all beautiful. The mosquitoes, though…oh, the mosquitoes. At one point I counted 57 itchy red bites all over my body. And of course, in the midst of my agony over whether to scratch the blasted bites, the Lord began to teach.
There are a number of ways to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes. Here in Central America, mosquitoes will always be around. I can’t eliminate them entirely. But I have bug spray. I have long sleeves and pants. There are mosquito nets available. Sure, I’d get bitten from time to time, but the chances would be far less. It’s not a cakewalk to prevent getting bitten. Bug spray is sticky and smells something fierce. (And is VERY expensive here…) Long sleeves and pants feel hot. Mosquito nets are cumbersome. I have to make choices to prevent bites.
Once I’m bitten, I have additional options. I can scratch away and leave my skin bloody and scarred (and let’s be honest, scratching mosquito bites feels SO good. Sweet relief!) OR I can take some Benadryl, apply some anti-itch cream, and refuse to scratch the itch. Again, I have to make choices. It takes less effort to just scratch the itch. It feels better in the moment. But long term, it can lead to infection. It leaves scars.
This is eerily similar to temptation and sin, right? Temptation is always there and will always be there. But the Lord loves us and knows that sin leads to death. It leads to pain and hurt and suffering that He hasn’t intended for us to experience. But it truly is up to us. He’s given us so many tools to avoid sin. He’s given us His Word, each other…and ultimately Himself. Is there a better gift? Once we step into sin (whatever that looks like for us as individuals; we struggle with different temptations), we again have a choice. We can continue scratching the itch, which leads to pain, even if it feels great in the moment. Or we can look to Him, the author and finisher of our faith, who promises life and healing and grace.
He doesn’t want scars for us. He wants healing for us.
He doesn’t want pain for us. He wants joy for us.
But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.” – 1 Corinthians 2:9
Only our God could take something as obnoxious as mosquitoes and transform them into a love letter to us.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
With love and great joy,
E
P.S. Yesterday we led a Bible study in a neighborhood here in Nicaragua, and I translated. The Holy Spirit made this possible. I spoke words I’ve never before heard or known. We serve an incredible God. Also, I boarded down a volcano this week. Photos and additional stories about that awesomeness coming soon.
P.P.S. I am officially less than $800 away from being fully funded. THANK YOU! I thank God for His provision through you!
