Now faith is the assurance of thing hoped for, the conviction of things not see. Hebrews 11:1
Our trip to Ethiopia was filled with amazing highs and devastating lows—and many times it was hard to tell which was which. As I read back through my journal, I’m struck by how everything God showed me had to do with light.
Today I want to share one of my experiences.
Early in the trip we visited a mountain outside Addis Ababa, the capitol of Ethiopia. We were going to visit those who’ve been exiled because they suffer from the Aids virus. As we traveled through the city we saw painted walls and women in bright colors, all against bleak patches of poverty, outlined in dark grays and browns of despair.
It was cloudy on the mountain and a storm threatened, but that didn’t deter the children that gathered, hopeful and curious, always begging. We were invited into a young mother’s small home. The home was neatly kept, but barely the size of two double beds. Sarah’s son was asleep when we arrived, but he soon roused, watching us with beautiful dark eyes.
Through an interpreter Sarah (not her real name) shared her story with us.
"When I found I had the virus, I came to the mountain. There’s a spring here, blessed by the church, and said to have the power to heal. I visited the spring daily, but I didn’t expect healing. I came here to die, and instead I found life.
"It was going to and from this spring that I met my Jesus. He has given me hope and peace. And now I know that in Him, I will live forever. He has provided for my every need and I know that I am a woman blessed."
The simple dignity of her faith touched me deeply, as she put everything about life into perfect perspective. I hope her message touches you as well.
So simple, yet so profound. Thank you for this perfect message to begin my Sunday. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteGod is so good. Really makes us think about what is really important. Thanks
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this Edie... What came to my mind is that we are all going to face death at some point. Some of us earlier than others, but none of us ever knows when. I think of her "stream" like my "church family" or place of worship. It's just neat how God meets our need wherever we are. We're in different life circumstances, but we share a hope of spending eternity with our Creator. And we can worship Him along the way. Thanks again for sharing! I love hearing about your trip!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing what God taught you Edie. As I read your devotions, He uses them to convict me that my sense of contentment is not where it should be - in what Christ did for me on the cross - not in my circumstances. May God bless "Sarah" for the impact her words have on us here.
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