Thursday, March 20, 2008

Our Heavenly Father knows..........

Lately MrGee and I have been talking about leaving S.Africa. Everyone we know is either leaving now, or about to start the emigration process. It's rather unsettling as we have just moved to Hillcrest, Natal, and we felt that God brought us here for a reason. The whole move was testament to that.
So why are we feeling the need to fly out of this country so quickly............ FEAR ?
It IS becoming apparent, that things are starting to fall apart here, with regards to municipal services, education and a major increase of crime due to lawlessness! MrGee and I love this land and do not want to run from it..... but we are still worried about our kids future here.
This morning our electricity went off from 8:00-10:00am. The "load sharing initiative"(better name=power-cuts!) forced me into having a quiet time with the Lord!
I opened the Bible at James 5 and read about letting God plan your life.

Some of you say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to some city. We will stay a year,do business, and make money." But you do not know what will happen tomorrow! Your life is like a mist. You can see it for a short time, but then it goes away.So you should say, "If the Lord wants, we will live and do this or that." [James 5:13-16]

I began praying and thanking God for this word and gentle reminder to trust Him as he knows our future. Yes..... our Heavenly Father knows.
I felt lead to open 'The Womans Devotional' by Jill Briscoe. I turned to todays date..... the heading was "The Greenest Grass." The scripture to go with it was .......

" Even though I walk through the dark valley of death, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and staff protect and comfort me.[Psalm 23:4]

Jill Briscoe continued with a story of how she felt extremely alone and afraid when her husband went away on a 5 week trip. Her children had left home, and her pet dog had died a couple of years back. She was alone.......... and afraid espescially whenever she heard the creaking of floor boards or the scratching of branches against the window pains. She started to stay out later at night so that she could avoid feeling that fear.
One night she said she'd had enough of this fear...... She simply put her hand in her shepherds and said,"Help me walk through this valley with you." Jesus replied, "STOP RUNNING! You have been sprinting along, intent on getting out of this situation as quickly as you can. Walk slowly and take a long look around. See here is some green,green grass."

Ah-ha..... the greenest grass is always in the valley!

This word has really encouraged MrGee and I. We are in Hillcrest for a reason. Even though things are looking bleek for our country we know that this is where we are meant to be for now and we are excited for what God is about to unfold in our lives.

Love Fee

5 comments:

Beth said...

Fee, the ways of the Lord are not our own. I'm so glad you've found comfort in Him. I always find, too, that when I allow myself to slow down and open the Word, He speaks to me. I pray for you and your family to continue to see the green grass.

beth

Halfmoon Girl said...

If we focus inside, we will become DEPRESSED, if we focus around us, we will become DISTRESSED, but if we focus above, we will be IMPRESSED! I have a friend who says that, and it came to mind when I read your post. I can't imagine living in such circumstances. I pray God's protection and leading for you. I am so glad the Word gave you comfort today.

Mrs. Guthrie said...

I love when God gives us answers in that still small voice. Continuing to keep you guys in my prayers.... It's awesome knowing that God is in that valley, too.

MarshaMarshaMarsha said...

Oh Fee! How wonderful to see what God would have for you-- even if that is to stay put and wait! I just love it when I have a pressing burden on my heart and God shows me SO clearly the answer when I am seeking Him in His word.

Love,
Marsha

The Alterpenguin Superdork said...

I miss Hillcrest...
***sniff***