I love, love, love Africa.
One of the lovely and beautiful perks
about being here is the joy of meeting wonderful people
whose very lives challenge me.
Recently I had the amazing joy and rare opportunity
of spending time with such a person.
Emma had actually told me bit and pieces of her story,
but meeting this woman left the most powerful impression on my soul.
I have only ever read stories about people like her
and
to look at her, one only sees the precious, gentle and soft-spoken woman
that she is,
But let me tell you –
under that tender God-fearing, God-honoring
soul is the most courageous
woman I have ever met!
Although for safety reasons I am unable to
share her story, I was forever changed
by meeting this hero of the faith who did the
most daring thing I have personally ever known.
Isn’t she beautiful?? So honored to have a picture of us together. My hero.
As she shared her story, my mouth was gaping and I
was “on the edge of my seat”.
No one would ever guess that this woman would possess unprecedented
courage that would outdistance each person present when the situation
suddenly was upon them.
There were many present, but one by one, each person around
ran terrified saying,
“I can’t do it”
or
“I won’t do it”
and
“No way! I am overcome with fear.”
One woman.
Alone.
Her words left a lasting impression on my soul…
In hushed tones she spoke to me,
“Although each person around me was terrified to do anything,
I lifted my arms toward heaven and looking up cried out loud,
‘Oh God! You must give me the strength to do this!’
And at that very moment, with my arms lifted toward heaven, I felt the tangible strength of our powerful God overtake me
and I ran to do what had to be done.”
With undeniable God-driven, holy determination
she ran literally toward
“the very gates of hell.”
She refused to shrink in fear like everyone around her –
she found her strength in the powerful presence of Almighty God
and
He very literally gave her the fearless strength and willpower to persevere
with audacious courage that would leave people completely astounded.
Oh sweet friends –
I’m positive that there are only a few
I’m positive that there are only a few
as brave as she, that have ever lived,
but all of us could be!!
but all of us could be!!
And although I would love to share her story,
that’s not the point here.
God is the same yesterday, today and forever.
He gives courage to the weak.
He gives power to the helpless.
He gives strength to the weary.
And He does not fail.
He does not disappoint.
He will not leave us.
Even if we “are at the very gates of hell” doing rescue work.
He is completely trustworthy!
How?
Lift your arms toward heaven and cry out to Him.
He is willing to give you His strength and power that will enable you
to move any mountains that would seemingly stand in your way ~ ~ ~
Bar None!
“If you fail under pressure,
your strength is too small.
Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to die;
save them as they stagger to their death.
Don’t excuse yourself by saying, “Look we didn’t know.”
For God understands all hearts, and he sees you.
He who guards your soul knows you knew.
He will repay all people as their actions deserve.”
Proverbs 24: 10-12