THE ADVENTURE BEGINS! Exhausted is how we felt after an approximate 25 hour travel time. We are excited to finally be here in our new home. There has been some challenges already. Our ministry leaders (Brock and Kerrie) were supposed to arrive with us and help us navigate the new terrain of West Africa. Welp... They got denied entry due to Covid-19 restrictions so we were left alone.
Shawntel, Kathryn, Bubba, and myself (stefan) alone in a new country where we can't speak the language and are over an hour away from our apartment. Luggage broke in the travel, no local currency (currency exchange offices closed in airports due to Covid-19), and only know two phrases in French. We were forced to trust in the peace of God the moment we arrived. Peace that transcends understanding. Even in these situations Shawntel and I both were calm and steady the entire trip thus far.
After we arrived in our apartment we immediately had to get a taxi driver take us to buy a bed to sleep on and groceries. GOD IS GOOD! Our ministry leaders helped so much from the states even though we could not communicate at all at first, due to no WiFi.
The purpose of this post is to remember to walk in trust. God is in control. There are times that we have no control over anything but we need to remain steadfast in all seasons.
Ruth 1:1-2a NASB, "Now it came about in the days when the judges governed, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehem in Judah went to sojourn in the land of Moab with his wife and his two sons. The name of the man was Elimelech..."
Israelites were not to live in the land of Moab. They were called to live in the Promised Land (Genesis 12:1-9). However, due to the circumstances of Elimelech he deviated from God's original plan for His people and did what was in his own eyes (Judges 21:25). He allowed his situations to determine his standards which changed his destination. It s important for us, as believers, to not allow our situations (hills or valleys) to determine our standards (holiness). Even if one is in a different country, with no money, no ministry leaders, and over an hour from their apartment. Even if He does not do what you think He will (Daniel 3:18)
He is still good.
He is still worthy of Praise.
He is still sovereign.
He is still Beautiful.
He is still Perfect.
He is still watching over you.
Psalm 23:4 NASB, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."
