As I was working on my morning task of painting a wooden plant holder the other day, I was thinking about the fact that I didn’t know too many words in Telugu, the language widely spoken by those around me here in Hyderabad. I was trying to think of the words that I knew and the first one that came to mind was Ming-gu, which means swallow. I continued to think and the words Cu-cho and Dah, which mean sit and come, respectively, popped into my mind.
Swallow, Sit, and Come.
As I continued to paint, God spoke to me through those 3 words in an amazing way.
(Side note: I wrote the Telugu words how I pronounce them, not how you actually spell them, so you can have an idea of how to say them.)
Swallow: As I am on this World Race journey, I desire to grow in my relationship with the Lord and for my faith to increase in Him. I ask Him often to teach me more, to give me more knowledge and wisdom. He told me that He is always giving it to me, but I have to receive, to swallow, what He’s giving me in order for my relationship with Him and my faith in Him to grow.
Sit: A constant theme for my trip so far has been to remember to constantly be finding rest in the Lord and always keeping my eyes on Jesus. God was gently reminding me to find peace and rest in Him in all I do and to constantly keep my eyes fixed firmly on Him. He reminded me also to have times of literally sitting and resting to let Him prepare me for what He has next for me.
Come: In my life I experience good and joyful times but struggles and hard times happen too. Life on the Race is no different. The Lord helped me to remember that with whatever happens in my life, good or bad, easy or hard, I need to bring it to Him. He wants me to always come to Him and leave all aspects of my days with Him. He wants all of me and He loves it when I come to Him.
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
I am so thankful for the way that God can use everything and anything, including 3 Telugu words, to talk to me. Sometimes it may seem odd at first but it is truly a beautiful thing when He gives me the understanding of what He has specific for me to learn. I am excited to continue to learn more things from my Lord during the rest of my trip as well as the rest of my life!
To God be the glory forever and ever! Amen!
