Declaring His Glory

Before coming to Uganda, I don't recall seeing such amazing cloud sculptures, stunning sunrises, and incredible vistas as I have here. Even after 5+ years I still catch my breath and run for my camera at God's incredible artistic displays.

During my last visit in the States some dear friends blessed me with a new camera. (I had made the mistake of packing mine as I flew home and it wouldn't turn on.) Yet, God bestowed a nicer model than what I previously had. The camera has some features I love and which help to enhance the natural beauty that surrounds me.

Here are some recent images.

"So that those who dwell at the ends of the earth are in awe at Your signs. You make the going out of the morning and the evening to shout for joy." Psalm 65:8 (ESV)

"He spreads out the northern skies over empty space;

He suspends the earth over nothing.

He wraps up the waters in His clouds,

yet the clouds do not burst under their weight." Job 26:7-8 (NIV)

"He covers the heavens with clouds; He prepares rain for the earth; He makes grass grow on the hills." Psalm 147:8 (ESV)

"Sing to the Lord a new song,

His praise from the ends of the earth,

you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it,

you islands, and all who live in them." Isaiah 42:10 (NIV)

"'For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.'" Isaiah 55:12 (ESV)

"Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice, and let them say among the nations, 'The LORD reigns!'" 1 Chronicles 16:31 (ESV)

"Let heaven and earth praise Him,

the seas and all that move in them," Psalm 69:34 (NIV)

"For who in the skies can be compared to the LORD? Who among the heavenly beings is like the LORD," Psalm 89:6 (ESV)

"Behold, to the LORD your God belong heaven and the heaven of heavens, the earth with all that is in it." Deuteronomy 10:14 (ESV)

"The voice of the Lord is over the waters;

the God of glory thunders,

the Lord thunders over the mighty waters.

The voice of the Lord is powerful;

the voice of the Lord is majestic." Psalm 29:3-4 (NIV)

"Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind,

Your lightning lit up the world;

the earth trembled and quaked.

Your path led through the sea,

Your way through the mighty waters,

though Your footprints were not seen." Psalm 77:18-19 (NIV)

"The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad;

let the distant shores rejoice.

Clouds and thick darkness surround Him;

righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.

Fire goes before Him

and consumes His foes on every side.

His lightning lights up the world;

the earth sees and trembles." Psalm 97:1-4 (NIV)

"He unleashes His lightning beneath the whole heaven

and sends it to the ends of the earth.

After that comes the sound of His roar;

He thunders with His majestic voice.

When His voice resounds,

He holds nothing back.

God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways;

He does great things beyond our understanding." Job 37:3-5 (NIV)

Satan's Toolbox

An island pastor prays for young women previously affected during spiritual warfare.

"Do you see things like this in America?" 

It was a question I was asked on several occasions last fall when the island school was passing through intense spiritual warfare, manifested mostly in demonic attacks against our students.

Generally not, I would reply, but quickly note that Satan is still very active in America, just in different ways. Like a master deceiver, he knows which lies to tell to which unsuspecting listener. He knows which tricks will capture our attention and what traps we will likely fall into. He can definitely individualize temptations and attacks.

Before I continue, please understand - I don't intend this post to be judgmental, but definitely an exhortation.

Coming fresh out of the intense spiritual warfare as I returned to the U.S. in November, I was more than ever keenly aware of what might be "attacking" American Christians. Toward the end of my visit, I came to a conclusion - it may be more difficult to be a Christian in the U.S. than where I live in Uganda. 

But it's likely not for the reasons you think.

There's just too much. Too many distractions. Too many appointments. Too many commitments. Too many activities. Too many devices. Too much media. Too much news. Too much stuff to maintain. Too much.

I believe "distraction" is a primary tool which Satan uses against many American Christians. 

"Look this way so you won't see what I am doing in other parts of the world." 

"Get involved in this so you forget to pray for your persecuted brothers and sisters." 

"Become absorbed in this so you no longer have the time, the energy or the money to invest in that other kingdom."

I, too, am so guilty of this. Today I read a very convicting article about our laziness, cowardice and overall lack of response as fellow believers are daily being persecuted and daily losing their lives for their faith in Jesus Christ. The persecution of Christians is greater at this time than any other period of history  - even compared to what the early Christians faced in Rome.

(I plan to write a follow-up blog on some of the things I've recently learned about the persecution of Christians worldwide. To read more, please visit OpenDoorsUSA or The Voice of the Martyrs for specific ways to pray, give, and act on behalf of our suffering brothers and sisters.) 

My point is this, don't think the enemy of your souls is apathetic - He's just very clever. Just because you don't see ghosts or spirits, like those here in Africa, do not for one second believe you are safe.

The "safer" you think you are, the greater may be your danger.

Satan doesn't want you to pray, to read your Bible - let alone believe it, to fellowship with other believers, to attend church, to serve others, to use your gifts, to forgive, to show grace...well, you get the idea. And, he really doesn't want you to be aware of his presence and his schemes and tricks. Whatever God intends for you, Satan wants to thwart. And, if you have it, he wants to steal it from you and destroy it. And, to be perfectly honest, he wants to devour you.

"Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings." I Peter 5:8-9

The days are growing increasingly evil and the Lord's return is imminent. Are we aware of Satan's schemes, but even more, are we watching for Christ's return? By God's grace, identify the distractions. What is keeping you and I away from what Jesus desires for us? How is Satan deceiving us, stealing from us and destroying what God wants to do in and through us?

"Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” - I Peter 1:13-15

"Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is." - Ephesians 5:15-17

Confessions of a "Hoarder"

Aw, the fun process of packing and deciding what goes and what stays.

One of my mom's frequent requests of me while growing up was to please tackle my "clutter." I seemed to have perpetual stacks of papers, books, and miscellaneous items - on my desk, on the floor, on the dresser.

You could always differentiate between my half of the room and my sister's - I had more "stuff" and it was scattered.

I tried to comply, but finally concluded I was conducting "pile-it (pilot) programs." However, my mom didn't find my "programs" humorous or necessary and still insisted I clear my stacks.

Over the years, I have learned how to manage my clutter - kind of. One thing about only being allowed to take 50 pound bags back and forth across the world is you soon learn what is really important. Sadly, though I love books, they have often been pulled out of my overweight bags, to leave room for lighter items like tea, clothes, or gummy bears. :) Inevitably, there is always stuff that gets left behind, with the hope I can bring it back next time.

But even in this type of "minimalist" lifestyle, I still tend to accumulate more than what I really "need."

God has shown me this is also true in regard to more than my physical possessions.

I confess - I am a hoarder; a hoarder of "securities." Basically I like to fill my life with what I believe will make me feel "secure." Keeping people close and relationships simple, enjoying an organized, trouble-free schedule, having my "comforts" close by. When life is going well, I feel secure and safe, and I am happy and content. And, the more I "hoard" of these securities, the greater my false sense that everything is "a-okay."

But, when doubtless things get out of whack, even a smidgen, I kind of freak at the loss of my "security."

Perhaps one of the biggest purposes for God moving me to Uganda was to strip me of what I had been holding much too closely - family, friends, a church family, people who know and understand me, a good job, stability, predictability, language I understand, skills I have mastered, places I know like the back of my hand.

I frequently feel like a fish out of water here in Uganda. After five years I still find myself stumped by the language, by the culture, by the customs, by things that don't go as quickly, as smoothly or as "normally" as I think they really should. And, I don't always like this feeling - of insecurity, of not invariably knowing what is happening around me or what is occurring next.

But this stripping away has made me all the more aware of how much I need Him and Him first and foremost. I had been trusting in all of those people and things, gripping them tightly, and unable to put my full trust in Jesus because my hands and heart were just too full. The above are not bad in themselves, but when they displace Jesus, they compete with my affections for Him.

In my mind there is a difference between security and safety. One can be secure, but not necessarily safe.

When I seek security in people or things, but am not abiding in Christ, I am not really safe from what may harm me. But when I make Him my chief hope and trust, I am safe. And even when I encounter danger or hardship or trials or difficulties, I am safe in Him. Nothing will happen to me without first receiving His approval.

As I loosen my grip (and it is a process!) on what I have "hoarded," there is a succeeding and abiding peace and comfort that only the steadfast presence of Jesus brings. We can sing "It Is Well With My Soul" not because there is no storm, but because He is with us in it.

By His grace, Jesus is helping me to conquer my "hoarding" habit - both physically and spiritually.

The world is becoming an increasingly scary and unsafe place. Our only hope for abiding and eternal safety and security is under the shadow of His wings.

"Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High

will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 

I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,

my God, in whom I trust.”

Surely He will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence.

He will cover you with his feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.

A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.

You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. If you say, 'The Lord is my refuge,' and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent.

For He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

'Because he loves me,' says the Lord, 'I will rescue him;

I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

He will call on me, and I will answer him;

I will be with him in trouble,

I will deliver him and honor him.

With long life I will satisfy him

and show him my salvation.'" - Psalm 91

Built Together...in Him

Most of the members of the SHIM family during our annual staff  retreat in February.

A nurse, wife, mother.

A part-time builder, full-time pastor, father.

An economics major.

An accountant.

An IT grad.

A former teacher-turned seminarian.

A scout and respected teacher, now an innovative farmer.

A one-time journalist presently a secondary instructor.

Holders of certificates, diplomas, and degrees.

The students, the teachers.

Single, newly-united, and veterans of marriage.

Parents of 6 and grandparents of 9.

Parents of young and parents of old.

One whose heart is burdened for the young children...

...one who hurts for the youth...

....one who intercedes for the widows...

...one who advocates for the orphans...

...one who instructs the illiterate...

...ones who cries to God for deliverance of the poor, the sick, the demonically-tormented...

...those who call out, equip and build spiritual leaders, from among the despised and rejected.

They come from the north, the east, the west, and from the far west.

Some call Uganda their homeland, while others know it as a "second home."

Different nationalities, different clans, different tribes, different skin colors, different languages...

Distinct pasts, but an exclusive, hope-filled future.

United under one banner, bound by a singular mission, following a solitary Leader.

The myriad of diversities fade and are superseded by One. One who in Himself is the reconciliation, the restorer, the uniting peace for those once divided.

The Author of uniqueness and Designer of one-of-a-kind creations calls for a merging and an intertwining so the many are inextricably joined in Him.

Bringing their pasts, their weaknesses, their strengths, their gifts, and their callings in submission to His ultimate and divine purpose - for a work beyond description and above imagination.

"Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of His household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone. 

"In Him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in Him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit."
- Ephesians 2:19-22 NIV

"In this new life, it doesn't matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and He lives in all of us." 
- Colossians 3:11 NLT

(This post was born out of a realization that the SHIM ministry family is a representation of the universal Body of Christ. How is your team, your family, your community, your church being "built together" for God's purposes?)

My Two "Homes"

The Nile River near Jinja.

One of the first surprises I had in landing in Uganda 8 1/2 years ago was the green - so much green in so many vibrant shades on trees, grass, and fields. The lush scenery and the rolling hills reminded me so much of my home in Northwest Oregon on America's west coast.

There are other similarities between my Ugandan and American "homes," but also some vast differences. I thought it would be interesting to explore the comparisons and contrasts of the two. :)

My hometown of Clatskanie in northwest Oregon is at 59 feet above sea level, while Jinja, Uganda (the nearest mainland city to Lingira Island) is at 3,740 feet - atop the East African Plateau.

Clatskanie is close to the mighty Columbia River (the Pacific Northwest's largest river) and less than an hour's drive from the mighty Pacific Ocean. My island sits on Lake Victoria, the world's second largest fresh water lake, which is the source of the Nile River, generally regarded as the world's longest river.

Jinja receives about 52 inches of rain a year, just a little more than Clatskanie's average of 53.3 inches. The major difference is that Uganda has about 77 days of rainfall, while the Clatskanie area has 180 days of at least .01 of an inch of rain. Clatskanie has about 142 days of sunshine. 

Portland was predicted to have 12 hours and 34 minutes of sunshine today, compared to 12 hours and 6 minutes in Uganda, which generally has 12.5 hours of daily sunlight year-round.

Today's humidity in Jinja was 73% while it was forcasted at 87% today in Clatskanie.

The average high temperature in Jinja is in the low 80s, and the average low temp is 61F, while Clatskanie's average high is 60F. 

Lingira Island is just a couple of hours by boat north of the equator, while Clatskanie is more than 3100 miles north of the equator (and incidentally about 3,000 miles away from the North Pole).

Oregon's highest elevation is Mt. Hood's 11,239 feet, while the majority of Uganda is on a plateau with a rim of mountains, which contributes to its more moderate temps, compared to surrounding countries. The tropical country's "lowest" point is Lake Albert 2,037 feet and its highest is Mt. Stanley, which stands at 16,404 feet in Uganda's western Rwenzori Range. Incidentally, both the aforementioned "low" lake and "high" mountain are in the country's western region.

Oregon's land size is 98,466 square miles, only slightly bigger than Uganda's 93,050 square miles. Despite the similarity in area, Uganda looms large over Oregon in terms of population, boasting 37.58 million (in 2013) compared to Oregon's 3.97 million (as of 2014). This means Oregon has about 40 people per square mile, much smaller than Uganda's 403 people per square mile.

Uganda's population has doubled since 1990 and is expected to grow by more than 10 million in the next decade. Uganda is the world's second most populous landlocked country, after Ethiopia.

Oregon's capital Salem had 160,614 people in 2013, making it look like a sleepy hamlet compared to Ugandan capital Kampala's bustling city of more than 1.6 million residents. 

The average of a Uganda is 15 1/2 years of age, meaning more than half of the population is 15 years or younger - the lowest average age in the world. Life expectancy in Uganda is at 59 years (as of 2012), while Oregonians live an average of 80+ years.

Children attending an island church service.

About 88 percent of Oregonians are Caucasian, while Ugandan boasts a diversity of tribes and nationalities living in its borders. Around 40 different languages are regularly spoken here and English is the "official" language. The most widely spoken local language is Luganda. The largest immigrant population in Uganda is from India. 

More than 80% of the Ugandan population is identified as "Christian," which includes a diverse range of beliefs and denominations. Oregon has the highest national percentage of religiously unaffiliated adults in the U.S. at 24.6%.

One of Lingira's longtime residents, "Jjajja" Grandma Erios, holds a young island baby. 

About 2.49 Oregonians live in each household, compared to Uganda's 4.7. The average Ugandan woman bear seven children, but often cares for many others, including children of other relatives. 

Most Ugandan women spend nine hours a day on domestic tasks (cooking food, washing clothes, fetching water and firewood, and caring for children), for an average workday that stretches to 15 hours, compared to the men, who work about 8-10 hours a day. 

Coffee is Uganda's largest export, as well as tea and fish. Oregon exports more computer and electronic products than anything else.

The average annual household income in Oregon is around $50,000, while it is $510 for the average Ugandan, though more than a third of the population lives in poverty on less than $1.25 a day.

Fishermen on Lake Victoria. Fishing is the livelihood of most islanders.

I have discovered Uganda is "rich" in many ways - in diversity of cultures and landscapes, in natural resources and wildlife (364 species of mammals and 1062 species of birds), the religious freedom in varied areas of life, from government to education, and the fact that the Gospel of Christ has shone brightly for decades in this sub-Saharan country, despite persecution and political and social upheaval.

Yet, there are still parts of the country that are "unreached" by the light of Christ, communities with no established church, and many people crying for Biblical training and discipleship.

Oregon may appear "rich" in many ways, but it is "poor" in others, especially in its spiritual life. In each place, as different as they are, there is a common, yet deep need - the hope of Jesus Christ. There are lost souls here and there who need the light of the Gospel to shine in their hearts and transform their lives.

Uganda and Oregon both require "missionaries," ambassadors of Christ, light-bearers and salt-spreaders for the Kingdom. Both places are dear to my heart and I know God is actively working in each to seek out His "lost sheep" and pursue His glory.

For one day..

"That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." - Philippians 2:10-11

Sources included: 

http://www.climatedata.eu/climate.php?loc=ugzz0006&lang=en

http://www.usclimatedata.com/climate/clatskanie/oregon/united-states/usor0067

http://www.ocs.orst.edu/county_climate/Columbia_files/Columbia.html#table1

http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/distances.html?n=202

http://www.timeanddate.com/sun/uganda/kampala

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geography_of_Uganda

http://www.worldbank.org/en/country/uganda/overview

http://unstats.un.org/unsd/demographic/sources/census/2010_PHC/Uganda/UGA-2014-11.pdf

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uganda

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Oregon

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wildlife_of_Uganda

Our Eyes are on You

Lingira Living Hope - A school to proclaim God's glory in the islands!

So much has happened in recent weeks that it is not for a lack of material that I haven’t written in this space.

At times when I see God working and answering prayer and showing His glory, I am afraid that if I try to capture it with mere words, I might dilute or lessen the impact. But is that even possible concerning the All-Powerful God we serve?

God calls imperfect, in-process people to praise, to thank and to glorify Him, knowing even as we do, He is worthy of so much more than we can offer with our feeble hands and lips.

If there is anything I want to convey in this post, it is that God is faithful, and brothers and sister, we must keep our eyes on Him.

Let me share a recent testimony affirming this.

Those Who Wait Upon the Lord

Last fall our 54 seniors took their final national exams, even on the heels of the most difficult period of spiritual warfare our island school has experienced. Through answered prayers, they successfully finished their tests which were spread over several weeks in October and November.

Because of the many other Ugandan students who also take these very same exams, which all need to be graded, results are not released until early February, around the same time our island school begins a new year.

Last month we waited for the good news of our students’ performance, but learned the results were withheld by the Ugandan National Examinations Board (UNEB), because of suspicion of cheating. Our anxious waiting turned into disappointments and questions.

Many were convinced no cheating had taken place, but because of our school’s location in the islands, rain and other transportation issues had caused the school to start certain exams late, raising suspicion with the examination board.

Graduates would call me, expressing their concerns. I had no reply except to encourage them to keep praying and not to lose hope. I was confident the results would come, but I wasn’t sure how or when.

About 5 weeks after the results should have been released, school representatives, including our Headmaster, an administrator, a teacher, and many students, traveled to the capital city of Kampala, to testify before UNEB in a March 10^th hearing.

The 9 a.m. required arrival time necessitated that the group leave the islands at 3 a.m. – traveling over the lake in darkness. On that particular morning, the wind was whipping up waves so that even longtime island veterans were afraid the boat would not reach the mainland.

However, God’s hand of protection was evident and the group did disembark in Jinja and continued to Kampala (usually a journey of 2-3 hours), arriving right at 9 a.m. Because other schools that were also to testify had arrived first, our envoy was among the last to appear before the board, at around 4 p.m. Throughout the day, our students watched as other schools entered the hearing room confidently and left dejected and defeated.

Shall Renew Their Strength

However, backed by prayer and the assurance of innocence, our staff and students spoke confidently, boldly answering the barrage of inquiry. By the end, the board was convinced – Lingira Living Hope students had not cheated – the results would be released in three days.

Seven other schools testified before the board  that day – all others had their results canceled, meaning their students would have to re-do their senior year and again take the national exams. Miraculously, ours were released and it was with much rejoicing that our group returned to the island that night, arriving after 9 p.m., returning  across a more hospitable lake than they had in the wee morning hours.

As promised, three days later on March 13, our graduates’ exams were released, proving be the best performance the school in its nine-year history. Four young men led the class, placing in the top division, with eight others finishing in the second division, and not a single student of the 54 failing to pass. Of the four secondary schools in the 52 Buvuma islands, ours had the best performance for 2014. 

We praised God, we shouted, we congratulated, and the students and staff enjoyed a weekend celebratory meal of goat, fish and rice.

Some believe this entire hardship was another assault by our enemy Satan against our school. That may have been true, but I believe God desired a greater glory than if we had received the results as usual.

They Shall Rise Up On Wings Like Eagles

Perhaps He wanted to test our faith and trust in the days and weeks of unknown waiting, or to cause our school to testify for the first time before the national board of education, or to be a light and a witness to those who also testified that day, or to prove to our graduates that with God nothing is impossible, or to show that despite last fall’s incredible challenges, God always accomplishes His sovereign will and gets the glory.

Our good news was broadcast on the radio and spread beyond the islands – the God-honoring testimony of a small school on a little island in an area of Uganda often ignored and despised by many. But isn’t that just like God to take the weak, the despised, and the “foolish” things and transform them into beacons of His glory?

Little Lingira Island - 5 miles in circumference and home to Lingira Living Hope (at about the 3 o'clock position).

The title of this blog is from 2 Chronicles 20:12. “O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” This is part of the recorded prayer of King Jehoshaphat to the Almighty God even as the “vast army” of Moabites, Ammonites and Meunites was coming against Judah and its comparatively small military force.

If you are not familiar with this incredible story of God’s deliverance, please read the chapter. Just to give you a preview – God does rout the vast pagan army, without King Jehoshaphat and his people having to lift a single sword, only their voices in praise.

This passage became very significant to our school community last fall as Headmaster Okello used it in issuing the call to prayer and fasting, just as King Jehoshaphat did with his people. And like the Judean king and his nation, we also were reassured by the words, “’Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s…You will not need to fight this battle.’” (vs. 15, 17a)

They will run and not grow weary, They will walk and not be faint.

There have been other recent challenges and other testimonies, but they will have to wait for the next post.

What obstacles and trials are you facing? Let me encourage you, don’t seek for the solution or the way of escape, look to the Almighty. Don’t question, don’t fret, don’t be anxious, lift your eyes to the Sovereign God. Don’t tremble at the “vast army” or the impossibilities, trust in the God who delights to do the impossible – in His way and in His time.

“Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf.” (2 Chronicles 20:17b)

Our eyes are on You.

(Subheads from Isaiah 40:31)

When the Lord is on Your Side…”

Incredible cloud formations over Lake Victoria.

“When the Lord is on your side,

Things already better,

Things already better

Things already better!”

This is a popular praise song here in Uganda and one I’ve likely sung hundreds of times in my time here. I have learned to not add the “are” to make it “Things are already…” and to pronounce “better” as “beddar” in the style of Ugandan-English. J

This simple song contains a powerful truth – when God is on our side, our situation is better because we always, always have hope in Him.

Today I joined with the members of the SHIM family as we gathered for prayer and sharing, reflected on the joys and challenges of last year, and looked forward in expectation of what God will do in 2015. Even in the first two months of the year it seems every member and/or family in the ministry has encountered difficulties with health and relationships, frustrations in work, ministry and finances, or disarming calamities and discouragement.

After last fall’s intense season of spiritual warfare, I am more aware that such challenges which take place in the physical realm are often strongly connected to the spiritual realm. And, this is one of Satan’s tricks – distraction and diversion. He seeks to shift our focus off what is really important – the eternal realities – to what is in comparison, superficial and less significant.

Yet, God calls us to lift our eyes off our circumstances and unto Him; to shift our gaze off this temporary reality to the promise of an amazing and glorious eternity with Him. But, how do we do that when the flood surrounds us and threatens to drag us under its powerful swells?

At least twice today as we gathered, people spoke of storms and recognizing that God is in the midst of our storms. One wise member commented that if we choose to leave the storm of our own accord, we may leave Jesus behind in it. Yet, Jesus is not only present in the challenge; He is most importantly above it as the Sovereign Lord.

“The LORD rules over the floodwaters. The LORD reigns as king forever.” (Psalm 29:10 NLT)

From what I can tell the Hebrew word for “flood” here means a type of destruction or destructive storm. Whether the psalmist was referring to Noah’s flood or another type of flood, it is not known. But, the author’s point was to emphasize the sovereignty of our God. He is above, He rules, He reigns – over all.

And while our Awesome and Powerful God is ruling over every single atom of this world, He is ever mindful of His own. Verse 11 concludes the psalm:

“The LORD gives His people strength. The LORD blesses them with peace.”

While He holds absolute and unchanging sway over the countless affairs of the universe – both large and small – He supplies, surrounds and fills His children with His amazing strength and peace.

This is our hope, this is our promise, and this is our reality. It is why we can confidently sing, “When the Lord is on our side, things (are) already better!”

Praise Him, for He rules in and above every storm.