More than the lilies of the field...

March 5, 2009

There are some things that happen here in Africa that are just so beyond my realm of normalcy that I have grown up with. But at the same time, often these moments I think to myself, “This is probably exactly what the Lord intended when He thought of man.”

I really love going to Women’s Bible Study. It just seems like such a pure and real example of women who rely on the Father each and every day for their daily bread. I love that different women teach each week. None of us are great teachers, but the Word applies to all. I love hearing the examples they use and how they relate the scripture to their lives. I arrived a little late today, due to some work I was doing. But when I got there I found the teacher and another girl. Not many but the teacher kept saying, “They are coming.” Sure enough, we began (the three of us) and two ladies came to the door. Throughout the next 30 minutes our numbers grew to 11. But that is not the point o my story. These two ladies that came in at the beginning were greeted, and since they were visitors the teacher greeted them and asked them if they were saved. This would be a little forward in America, but it was a good question and surprisingly they said NO. Oh, my prayers started flowing--- salvation spring up! And, providentially, the lesson was from Matthew about not worrying because as much as the Father clothes the lilies of the field and feeds the birds of the air, how much more will He do for his children! Therefore, we are to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto us. And the study continued in the reading about how if you hear the words of Jesus and do what He says, you are like a wise man building your house on a rock. So- the word was heard! The kingdom of God and salvation in Jesus Christ is what to seek first. These women were addressed directly. And I love that the women in the church would share their own experiences. One of the new ladies was brewing local alcohol for money to support her family. But the church women were able to encourage her that they were not asking her to give that up now, but to seriously consider Jesus because anything could happen, even that night. They encouraged the woman that our God is able – to do anything!! So, these women will continue to return to church and we faithfully left the seeds planted to the work of the Holy Spirit. What struck me was that these women, not saved, felt free to come to church. And the openness of the Gospel. There was no offense taken at the loving but realistic words that Jesus Christ is the ONLY way, truth, and life. And that our God is able!

Overall, I continue to be amazed at the faithfulness of the Lord. He is calling all men unto himself and ALL creation sing out and testify towards a Mighty Creator. He is full of love, if only we would have the eyes to see and an open heart. Be blessed today by the One who cares for you more than anything! Jesus loves you and me.