Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
These past few weeks in Eswatini have been very challenging. Civil unrest continues in the country as many cry out for democracy. Schools, offices, shops, hospitals, and grocery stores closed to protect not only their property but the employees who rely on public transportation. As if that was not enough excitement we both tested positive for COVID-19 and began our long quarantine process with meds, vitamins, and lots of sleep. The quarantine turned into sleep, which turned into boredom, which led to frustration. Due to the civil unrest all government offices closed. For us it meant the process for the baby house was again put on hold. But we've been quick to remind ourselves that this is a marathon and not a sprint. It's going to be slow some days and some it's going to go really fast. We just have to remember that God is the one controlling this and we need to rely on Him.
This past Friday the offices opened back up and many returned back to work. As soon as the doors opened Jen was ringing their phone to remind them that we're still here and have no plans to abandon the mission God has called us too. To take care of those children who have been abandoned due to not being wanted or even having disabilities.
Today has been encouraging. This morning as we were talking over breakfast and waiting for the offices to open we were just having a time of reminding each other to not give up. Jen began her phone calls and was able to speak to some higher authorities. He assured her that the answer was not "NO" but it was an answer of "we're doing the best we can during this time to approve the home". Thank you Lord. We just needed to hear those words. (Also he was sure that they could complete the process in next 30 days!)
There are going to be days of discouragement and
frustration. But it's during those times when you just have to hand it to God and say..."let YOUR will be done". And because we're human some days that's hard. We want to please God, show God how hard we're working, and even please Him by being good stewards of the time we have to minister. But because years ago we gave our hearts and life to Him, He already knows those things about us. It's why He chose us to complete this task.
Today give your frustrations to Him. He already knows the outcome. When challenges come don't choose to run away but run towards Him. Today challenge yourself out of your comfort zone. Show Him that you're prepared to face the tough battles during times of uncertainty.
Continue praying for Eswatini. Pray for wisdom in all areas. Pray for those babies who are being abandoned. Pray for our health and sanity. It really gets tested on days like these. But above all pray for you. If this encouraged you then we pray you begin challenging yourself. Stand tall and proclaim loudly that God's already taken care of today!
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