A Godly, beautiful and very important lady in my life wrote me a note before leaving. Nearing the end of the first page she gave me an eye-opening reminder.
“God will offer you a new test, a new truth and a new temporary assignment. Watch for them. Expect them and pray for the strength and endurance to pass them all.”
Tanzania has truly been a time of testing and truth for me. In these few short weeks I have discovered more of who God is and who I am through Him than ever imagined.
While in the midst of being tested, I, in my millimeter scope of what God is doing cannot see the fruit He’s preparing. Many times I find myself frustrated and confused.
Two nights ago, while fighting off mosquitoes and heat next to my gracious bedmate Bekah I grabbed my Nexus (like an ipad but made my Google) for some reading relief. I open the case to find the screen is cracked and the sensor for my fingers does not register. Therefore, my only source of “alone” time, my books, music, videos from the trip, everything is no longer accessible. WHYY!!!??!?!?
Less than a week previous God and I spent time on the subject of material items, and the importance (or lack there of) they are for His kingdom building.
I struggled, wondering why this would happen. Was upset, then the Spirit prompted my heart to one of worship. I praised in the midst of this test. I believe it was more of a “do you really trust me with everything, including your coveted ‘alone time’” than a rebuke or slap on the wrist. He is teaching me to praise Him in every situation. Even those that hurt a little.
The truth I’ve learned here in Tanzania is a simple one. I am because Christ is. Literally everything I am, do or hope for is given to me from Christ or through Christ. Without Him, my life is meaningless.
My temporary assignment is what really made Tanzania incredible for me. We met a family through the church named the “Josephs”. A little girl (age 5) named Dory absolutely stole my heart. A teammate and I decided to sponsor this little girl throughout the entirety of her upbringing. Long story short (if you want to hear the long story make sure to pull me aside when I get home, I’d love to share!) we got to bless Dory and her younger sister Sarah (3) through buying them school backpacks, stuffed animals and some other fun stuff.
This simple gift we could bless them with blessed our hearts ten fold. The Lord gave us this assignment, blessing the Joseph family and being able to be a part of their life, to also bless us. God is good!
This practice in finding three “T’s” daily (test, truth, temporary assignment) has really made me aware of the blessings that are so easily overlooked daily.
Also, since I’ve held you in suspense long enough, that Godly, beautiful woman I mentioned earlier happens to be no other than Cindy Lougheed. My mom! Thanks mom for being an incredible role model and friend. I love you and will see you soon!
The Joseph Family
