When Darkness Surrounds

Megan and I during one of our many evenings without electricity.

It has been quite a first few weeks here in Madagascar! It is amazing to me how the Lord speaks. He always knows what to say when you need to hear it. This whole drought thing is for the birds. Let me tell you how blessed you are in America to have a constant stream of running water coming from every faucet (and sometimes places you don’t want) in your house. You probably also have constant electricity, unless you didn’t pay your bill on time.

Sometimes God uses these reminders to show me His faithfulness. There have been quite a few evenings where we have been without electricity for whatever reason, and it is DARK. Its not the kind of dark where you can still see a little…it is can’t-see-your-hand-in-front-of-your-face DARK. I was in the kitchen finishing up dishes late one night, and the power went out. I knew Megan was down the hall…with a flashlight. So, here I am, standing in the kitchen, hands dripping wet yelling “Megan? Can you please help me??” Of course here she comes with her flashlight asking if I fell…to which I just said, “no! I just can’t see!”

Now, I know Pastors use the “light in the darkness” illustrations all the time, but we can really take those illustrations for granted. Scripture is our light in the darkness. When it gets really dark, so dark we can’t see anything around us, the one thing we can see is the Word and our faith.

I’ve been reading in 1 Thessalonians lately and have just been blown away by how Paul regards their faith. The church at Thessaloniki had very hard times. The entire book talks about how they had faith despite their trials. There are times in our lives where trials surround us. We don’t know which way is up or which way to go….we are yelling in the dark “please help me!” God is always gently leading us in the way we should go. We don’t need to worry, he has our back. Always.

So, next time you find yourself in the dark, just ask Him to guide you. He will always fulfill his promises. He may not give you water when you want it, but He will give you water when you need it. And let me be the first to tell you, water when you need it is ALWAYS more refreshing.

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.

Psalm 19:1

February Prayer Calendar

Comments

Sight to the Blind

About 35 kilometers north of Manakara is a place called Asasaina. About 3 years ago, Ancil met a man who then invited him to his home on the side of the road. For 2 1/2 years they met under a mango tree. The man stopped coming, but the group began to grow in number. About 6 months ago, 4 leading men from the village started attending. Ever the skeptics, they sat and asked hard questions. Ancil could tell they were strong men who would eventually be strong leaders in the church, if this group ever became one. Many faithful children, women, and young people continued to come and learn. One woman even left to follow Islam for awhile but realized the truth is Jesus and returned. The men sat and asked many, many questions. Searching to find truth. A few months ago, Ancil's family came from Miami and did a vision clinic. This clinic was to strengthen existing churches and help show compassion to outsiders. These clinics were wildly successful! The gospel was shared at each p...

Misaotra Betsaka Anareo

My life these days is a constant state of awe and wonder. There have been more days that I have been just brought to tears because God has been so good to me. He allows me to be part of His plan and see things come to be that I never thought were possible. He has answered prayer after prayer. Secret prayers from the depths of my heart. Prayers that I had started to wonder if they would ever be answered. He gave me sweet friends. Friends that even though we don't share the same blood, we are family. My skin is just a little (or a lot) lighter than theirs. He's given me a family that not only teaches me culture, but reminds me of spiritual truths. They carry the load with me. They protect me from unwanted marriage possibilities. They laugh when my feet are as dirty as theirs are. They ask me to sing songs in English. They tease me and joke with me. They open scripture with me. They know the things that break my heart and when I need encouragement. So, to honor these peop...

Team Spotlight: Mondy

When I first met Mondy in 2013, she was quiet and reserved. The language barrier proved to be difficult. How much language can you really learn in 2 weeks of class? The answer? Not much. But even in that short time, I came to love Mondy! She was always a joy to be around and was never lacking in the fun department! I came on a short trip in 2015 and was blown away by her and her enthusiasm for ministry. I saw how assisting Ancil and the team in ministry had begun to define and shape her. She had learned so much and it was exciting to see how she had grown! Fast forward to 2017. I was most excited to be reunited with this sweet friend! I didn't know when I arrived that she would have grown even more than what I had seen 2 years prior. And even now, I am still seeing ways she is growing in her faith and in ministry. She is a businesswoman and leader in the community. She loves her family fiercely and her God even more so. She loves to sing and dance! She is a go-getter and does...

love Madagascar

Search This Blog