Waking up in the middle of the aftershock of an 8.4 magnitude earthquake was one of the weirdest feelings.
As I rolled over, It felt like I was floating on my sleeping pad in the ocean. Swaying back and forth, unable to control the direction I was moving.
The room was dark, and most of my team mates were sleeping soundly.
What in the world was going on?
I stood up next to my bed and the swaying/shaking continued.
It got stronger. It was constant.
I walked outside, no storm in sight, but I felt the same swaying.
What in the world was happening?
?????
I grabbed my go bag and ran downstairs to find several squad mates trying to figure out what was going on. Our host had come downstairs and with a sweet smile and not an ounce of concern on his face, shared with us that the house was very strong.
That they experience earthquakes frequently, but none had ever lasted that long or were that strong.
I, on the other hand, have no such smile on my face and rather pounds of concern on my face. Natural disasters have always been a tough thing for me. As a little girl I would worry sick about thunderstorms and was terrified of tornados. Then I was face to face with a tornado a few years ago, and now an earthquake was bringing every ounce of fear back.
He’s a good teacher, and in the midst of an earthquake he showed me what a good good Father He is!
Fear consumes space in our souls where God can be present. In that moment, surrounded by many team mates, as anxious and worried as I wanted to be, I was transformed by the peace and comfort they were experiencing. Their spirits of peace and comfort filled me up.
When I gave up my worry and fear, there was room for God to move. His absolute peace came flooding in and my heart and mind found rest.
Why try to fight the battle alone Taylor? If you think you have any control over the shakings of this earth you are- way off track.
Yes Papa, I don’t want to fight my battles alone. In fact, I can’t fight my battles alone.
The earth will shake and tremble before me but You will protect me and keep me safe. God I see you! You want to protect us. You want to keep us safe. I’ll cling to that truth and tell fear it needs to fly right out the window!
Peace like a river is a real thing. When I got to the point of feeling like the only one who was really freaking out- I pictured myself on a pier, overlooking a calm river, with a sun setting in the background. My quiet place. My place of rest with the Lord.
There is no power in fear, but there is power in the name of Jesus, and the peace that passes understanding. I didn’t know what was going on, I didn’t know why I was so worried and afraid, but when I laid my head back down I understood the power of protection and safety the Lord had over me, my squad, and this life.
And I wouldn’t want it any other way.
God, thank you for the shake up,
You settled my heart!
XOXO
Taylor
We are settle into our home in Chimaltenango, Guatemala
for the month. This country is beautiful.
This is our view outside of our bedroom.
