So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
This weekend has not been one of my best weekends in Kyenjojo. Friday night I again found myself ill with stomach issues. I thought maybe it was the food I ate, but by Saturday night I was finding no relief and knew that I was going to have to see a doctor first thing Sunday morning. As I woke up this morning, I was a little discouraged-thinking, “God I really don’t want to be sick again. I am tired of being sick. I just wish I could stay here without getting sick.” I was sitting in our car contemplating all of this...when I looked out my window and saw a person being pushed in a make-shift wheelchair. I’m not sure the age of the person, but it seemed like he was probably in his teenage years. As I looked at him and saw his frail legs and small body, it put everything in perspective for me. I thought, “Here I am complaining about a sickness that will go away in some days, but for that boy he is living with a sickness for the rest of his life. He has to endure all of the circumstances of Africa with a challenging illness that may never go away.” My heart felt great sympathy and compassion, and it directed my attention off of my own illness. I first thanked God that He brought this man into my path today, and then I thanked Him that He has blessed me with a healthy body. Lastly, I prayed for God to give me strength and a thankful heart in each and every circumstance that comes my way.
It was not long after this moment that God brought Isaiah 41:10 into my mind. He reminded me that I did not need to fear....that He was with me...would give me strength...and would uphold me with His righteous right hand. This verse filled my heart with such peace. I knew that God had sent it at just the right time. It reminded me that God was holding me now and would continue to uphold me through every situation I faced. I was not facing anything alone. I thank God for the power of His word that is a present help for us in our time of need. I also thank God that He can bring great comfort and encouragement into our lives just when we need it the most-whether it is a diagnosis of typhoid in Africa or cancer in America or the death of someone dear or any other trial we may face. We do need to fear....God is with us.
