If you asked me what one thing this first month of the World Race has taught me, I'd have to say, hands down, that I have reached a greater awareness of the fact that regardless of where I am in this world, my life will always be a crazy beautiful whirlwind. It is our last night in Nepal, and in the short time we've been here, God has taken me through a crash course in what it looks like to praise Him at all times and in every way.
Through extreme heat exhaustion, countless insect bites, and a number of physical ailments, 4 doctor visits, and many moments sitting on the sidelines for healing and rest, I found myself praying for God's hand to heal, thanking Him for how He was at work, even when it was difficult to understand why I had been afflicted with such pain and misery within the first few days of being here; I had no choice but to be still in His presence. Unfortunately, even on the mission field, it can take being completely defeated to get you on your knees before the Lord. He is worthy of praise even amidst hardship!
And then there's that first day after being ill, you know, the one where you feel a billion times better, as though you're almost a completely different person – one with renewed health and energy – there's nothing like it. I experienced this kind of day on more than a few occasions this month, and found myself spending each one of them in continuous prayer of thanksgiving for my alertness, the breeze, the infections clearing up, the itchy welts being subdued, muscles being mended, an attitude adjustment, a supportive team, and the ability to function with a zeal I hadn't felt in days prior. God is the ultimate healer; He deserves to be praised for being so, especially when we have witnessed the power of His healing hands!
Oh, and let's talk about living in community. Yikes. Take 6 very different people, throw them into a third world country, and tell them to figure out how to live together every second of every day and love one another well. This does not make for the easiest of situations, but it sure does draw you nearer to your heavenly bff. Even though there were moments of miscommunication, differences of opinion, emotional reactions to words/actions, and confusion as to what true community should look like, at the end of each day, I praised God for a multitude of things – patience, wisdom, intuition, courage to speak up and call out in love, and most importantly, for the growth and camaraderie He is building within our team. I am blessed to do life and ministry with these 5 awesome sisters and brothers. Their hearts for service and helpfulness, and support in my time of physical strife, have been more than appreciated. Our God is faithful and He provides WHO and what we need. He is good!
Finally, and most importantly, He is worthy of praise for what He is doing in Haripur, Sarlahi! Our hosts were incredible examples of what it looks like to have a servant heart, and a true faith in Jesus. God is moving through their village and the neighboring areas, and it is amazing to see the Spirit at work – these Christians don't just go to church on Saturdays, they LIVE A LIFE of faith and worship, despite ridicule from the Hindu culture! I truly have gained a deeper understanding of the essentiality of being a Mary more so than a Martha. Loving and serving others is important, but intimacy and relationship with God, marveling at Him while being in His presence, THAT is first and foremost what this whole Christian thing is all about! And *sigh* worshipping and praying with the people of this quaint rural area, I could't help but sing out in gratitude to our Lord. How beautiful to praise our Lord with one voice, but in different languages!
Life isn't always easy. In fact, most times it isn't. But God is worthy of praise at all times, whether we feel like it or not. His value and goodness is not contingent on whether or not you or I are having a great day. How can you thank Him today, regardless of your circumstances? I bet you have much for which to be grateful! He is a Father who deeply loves His children : )
