In the midst of peace

People who visit Haiti and experience a little piece of our lives here often ask the same question – “Is it always this busy and crazy here?”  And the oft repeated answer is “yes.”  Life here is constant and constantly changing.  Whether it be radical weather, an unstable political situation, people with personal crisis showing up at our doors with a situation that demands immediate attention or just the day-to-day challenges of dealing with young lives that are perpetually “in transition,” we never know what each day brings.  And on one hand, the positive aspect is you never get bored; but on the other hand, there is no time to slack off -- you must always be alert – ready for whatever comes your way.

We find ourselves often using military terms to describe life here – “It’s like being on the front lines,” “the battle is very real,” and “You must always be ready – always on guard!”  And that is true!  We are in the midst of a very real spiritual battle.  By coming to the mission field, we consciously chose to go toe-to-toe with a very real enemy.  You accept that this will be your life as long as you are here.

But as the years progress, we see that our Lord always seems to provide a very special place for us.  A place where total peace exists in the midst of crisis.  It’s His special abiding place.  And as long as we are there, with Him, not relying on ourselves, but only fully submitted to His will and direction, that we can know that place.

Please don’t misunderstand me, we are not always floating around in this place of His perfect peace – I wish!  We battle our own flesh, our own will, all the time.  In fact, we battle our own will just as much as, or even more so, than we do the enemy.  We try to do things in our own strength all the time.  And, believe me, we suffer for it with things like fatigue, exhaustion, depression and frustration.  But that’s the wonderful thing about our Savior!  When we are in the midst – when we are weak – He is strong (2 Cor 12:9). He rescues us from that not-so-fun place and reminds us that He is God and we are not!

Thank you beautiful Lord Jesus!  You are our beautiful redeemer and friend, Whom makes beauty of ashes and restores, rebuilds and strengthens.  We love you Lord!

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God,  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:6-7

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.  John 14:27

Have a blessed day!