There we were sitting among 200 Africans in a tiny shop that barely fits 50 people, in the capital of Rwanda, Kigali, the sun was so hot I was sweating so much, flies landing on me every second, I was so close to the person next to me, I could feel the heat radiating from their body, and the ringing in the ear from Pastor Vanessia screaming in the microphone a language none of us could understand, but in that moment I could feel God’s presence.
But I almost missed it. I almost let God walk right past me.
That’s because I was focused on my own selfish desires, my own happiness, and what I wanted in that moment. Me, Me, Me.
For the past few weeks I have been learning more about joy. A type of joy that is not based on circumstances, but rather on perspective. This was the real test. It says in James 1:2-4, “When trouble comes your way consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” I started to pray and ask God to “Help me remain joyful. Help me to rely on you for strength. What are you wanting to teach me right now?”
As I sang in my head “I’ve Got the Joy Down in My Heart,” I could feel the Lord filling me with His Spirit. I opened my eyes and saw African men and women of all ages dancing and singing… African style! Arms and legs flung in every direction, sweat poured down their faces, and love seeped out of their voices as they sang for their Father. I was overwhelmed by His presence in this place. I was overwhelmed by the love the Rwanda’s had for Jesus. I was overwhelmed with the hope they had in Him.
I realized if I hadn’t had asked God to show me himself in that moment, I would have sat there miserable for 3 hours, instead of enjoying God’s presence.
My circumstances didn’t change, but my perspective changed. God helped me view the situation through a different light. He gave me His Spirit to see and hear the way he was working. He is showing me more everyday how I can either choose to be miserable or choose to change my perspective, which ultimately leads to joy.
We only have a little over 2 weeks here until we head back to America. Please pray for my team and I to stay focused on what God has for us here. Thank you
