Seeing the heart of His embrace

I sat on the bank by the Kipkaren River with over a hundred friends from the community who had gathered to celebrate graduates from the ELI Kipkaren Training Center. At this particular moment, all of our eyes were on Don. When Don began his message, he had a basin of water on a small table next to him, and without any warning, he plunged his head into the water so it was completely submerged. I’m unsure how much time passed, but it seemed like forever. The crowd was silent except for a few whispers of concern. Then the whispers got louder until, with a splash, Don raised his head from the basin of water and took a big gasp of air! He was physically illustrating that we should hunger for God like we hunger for oxygen.

As I walked this morning, the Lord brought that memory to my mind. Over these last several months, my heart has awakened to my desperation for more of God. Over the past four weeks, I have experienced more physical challenges and pain on this health journey than I have had up to this point. I crossed the finish line with my chemotherapy treatments and pretty quickly became aware of what my oncology team had been referring to as the “cumulative effect” of chemo. I began to engage in more physical exercise after chemo and I have been surprised at how weak my body has become in doing everyday activities. I’ve had a few extra bumps and bruises here and there. I have had to change my pace once again and listen to my body’s needs as it heals. Jesus gave me a healing discipline when we started on this journey that I follow daily: WALK, WORSHIP, WAIT.

An unwavering confidence is growing in my heart in my Good Shepherd and the GOOD plans He has ahead as I continue to walk with Him. I hear His whisper, Continue to trust in Me. Don’t lean on your understanding, but in everything you do and say, acknowledge Me, glorify Me, and I will continue to guide and orchestrate your every step for My glory.

Surgery is Wednesday, September 25th. I know this will be another unique day on the timeline of my life when I and others will experience the miraculous power and presence of our Triune God. I am so grateful for each of you and your faithful prayers for me and our family. Thank you for covering us in prayer, especially on Wednesday. Don will post an update on Wednesday evening.

Please pray for our youngest, Nathaniel, who lives with us, as he has been sick this past week. Pray for his healing and that Don & I will remain protected from any illness that could hinder the healing and recovery time ahead.

If you have a few extra minutes – here is a worship song that I have been listening to throughout the week. THIS SONG might be just what you need today.

With our eyes fixed on Jesus – the best is yet to come!