“For this is what the high and lofty One says – he who lives forever, whose name is holy: ‘I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.” Isaiah 57:15
We leave Bangkok in the morning. It has been a challenging, powerful, heart-wrenching three weeks. I have always loved the cliche story of the starfish on the shoreline. A man sees thousands of starfish dying on the sand, and was picking them up one by one, throwing them back into the sea. A young boy comes up to him and says, “You know there are too many. You can’t possibly save enough to make a difference.” The old man replies, “It made a difference to that one.”
I know that our Father often calls us to the same…
love the one. But, honestly, I still long for more. I tossed a couple of starfish, but so many are dying in front of my eyes. I need a change of tide!
I was talking to Michelle the other day.
In the grand scope of things, I feel like we have done so little,
I lamented to her in an especially discouraged mood. She replied, (she is so wise)
It’s not about what you have and have not accomplished in measurable amounts. Who have you loved?
I have loved. Because He first loved me. I can picture their faces in my mind. I love them. I treasure them. I pray things into existence for their lives. And I am broken for them…
My idea of brokenness is ever-expanding. I thought I knew what it meant to be broken. I was familiar with compassion and mercy. Then I asked God for His heart… And He invited me to Thailand. I have sobbed and screamed and rejoiced. I have been angry, discouraged, depressed, and hopeful. I have experienced the refinement of perseverance. I have fallen. I have misplaced my joy and my garment of praise. But the Lord is ever-present, whispering to me,
faith is being sure of what you hope for and certain of what you do not see. I’m not sure I have fully recovered. I am looking forward to debrief time and resting in the presence of my Father.
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
I believe that this debrief will be a time of mending my broken heart. It has been a trying month, but I do not regret a moment of it. It has changed me, and I know more than ever that I want His heart.
I believe that this debrief will be a time of mending my broken heart. It has been a trying month, but I do not regret a moment of it. It has changed me, and I know more than ever that I want His heart.
I believe that this debrief will be a time of mending my broken heart. It has been a trying month, but I do not regret a moment of it. It has changed me, and I know more than ever that I want His heart.
Please be praying for our Thailand debrief and for our travels as we make our way to Cambodia. As always, I’m yours for the Journey.
