Day 14 – March 19, 2019
Yesterday was a very stressful day largely because of the uncertainties and unknowns regarding my trip home. I struggled with allowing God to manage the day for me and go with the flow filled with peace. Too much of my old nature kept coming to the surface wanting to make sure all the details were taken care of. The stress came when I realized I really couldn’t manage this trip myself. There were too many barriers, such as language, unfamiliar places, other countries, along with limited time to accomplish all that needed to be done to be able to transfer from one airline to another. God kept taking me back to the verses from Isaiah to remind me that I should keep my focus on Him and not on my uncontrollable circumstances.
As we flew into Atlanta while still a few thousand feet in the air God treated us to a spectacular sunset above the clouds. As I looked at that sunset I received this thought in my head, “See, my son, I am still here and I can handle whatever crosses our path. Continue to look to Me and walk with Me and I will take care of You.” That moment reminded me that God was with me all the time and even when it seemed everything was lined up appropriately, He was still with me in every moment of my day.
He then took me to Isaiah 41:10 where again through this prophet God speaks, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Phyllis and I love that verse and we committed it to memory many years ago. But today, it comes back fresh to me as God once again reminds me that I am not to fear but to rest in Him. And as I look back over the past 13 days, I see God’s hand working in all the things we did and the surgeries we performed. He equipped us to do the work He brought us to San Lorenzo to do. He enabled us to do some tough surgery and even probably help save the lives of at least two of our patients who would have likely died had they not received the life-saving care. He encouraged us with the miraculous healing we saw take place. And He filled us with His peace that literally passes all understanding.
Father, I reflect on the past several days in San Lorenzo and even the stressful trip home and see Your hand working through all that was done and experienced. You blessed me every day and made Yourself evident to us continually. Thank You for Jane for her friendship with me and for her commitment to serve You in San Lorenzo. She has touched so many lives there and made You evident to them through her. Thank You for her team of dedicated people who want to serve You with her. You have created a very powerful ministry for the people of San Lorenzo, people You dearly love. Lord, I feel so blessed to play a small part of this ministry of Yours. Thank You for allowing me to walk with You each day. Lord, I worship You today and everyday. In Jesus precious name, I pray. Amen.
Medical Missions 