Snakes, Malaria, Discouragement...and New Mercies

This past week has been difficult on so many levels. 

 To begin with, a little over one week ago, we found a small black slithering thing in our bedroom.  It had come after an impressive rainstorm.  We thought it was a worm.  Eric took care of it.  The following day we found another in the kitchen.  Then another was found and we decided to search the house. More were found.  We were told we needed to pack our bags and leave home for a couple days.  I was already struggling with the reality of these wormy snakey creatures, now I was being forced out of our home because of them.  I cried.  Several faithful Togolese friends came in to do a search for a nest and more creatures while I worked to pack, meanwhile calling Eric out of the hospital and trying to coral the kids, who thought it was a fun adventure.  We moved into a room at the guest house here on campus.  

Homeless

We have been in Togo for about three months now.  The “honeymoon” stage is over and our life in Togo is taking form.  We knew this stage would come.   We have talked through the emotions together, we have prayed through the discouragements, and named the mercies of God in the process.  We have also tried to be alert to the warfare of the mind as our enemy feeds us lies.  We say our thoughts out loud to each other. This helps us identify the lies and discouragements for what they are, tools of the enemy.  Yet, as we progress in this journey through the culture shock, I (Melissa) have been surprised this week at the strength it has gained in my thoughts. Satan knows when we are weak, and takes advantage where he can.  

Discouraged

Last week I began to have yet another headache.  I have had several since our arrival that have put me in bed for a couple of days each.  This time however, it seemed like more.  I was on the couch not only because my head was pounding, but because I felt so physically weak.  I took something for the pain and prayed it would pass.  Eric prayed for me too.  God was so gracious to help me through moments when I did not have a choice but to be up and moving through some responsiblilites.  Yet, the headache and the weakness continued.  This morning I finally went with the kids to the hospital for a blood test called a “goutte épaisse”.  Within an hour I recieved a call and was notified that I had tested positive for Malaria.  So I began anti-malarial medication.

Sick

Last night two dear friends and teammates sat with me in the cool of a light rain after prayer meeting.  They empathized with me, exhorted me from the scriptures, encouraged me, and most importantly they prayed for me.  Thank you Susie and Judy.

We were able to come back to the house today.  So far, we have not seen any more snakes.  My bed and pillow were a wonderful sight for my sore eyes.  

Thankful

As I lay on my pillow today, between the throbbings in my head the Lord brought some verses to my thoughts.  

II Corithians 4:7-11

7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; 8 we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. 11 For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.

Homelessness, discouragement and sickness and whatever else may come, we are not destroyed. I knew today that my earthen vessel was weak but the surpassing greatness of the power of God was ever present and ever powerful.  I do not understand it all, but I trust that in this affliction the life of Jesus is being manifested in my mortal flesh.  When we go through difficult times, it is easy to ask, “Why am I doing this? What good is it?”  But the Father reminded me today to trust that He is working out His plan.  

I Corinthians 15:58 

58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.

No, our work is not at all in vain.  And, as an added bonus, as long as we are working here on earth, He has promised us new mercies every morning. Then at the end of our mornings, we will meet the Bright Morning Star Himself Revelation 22:16.  We will see Him face to face and we will be like Him. I John 3:2  Our promised home in heaven will be secure. Earthen vessels will be transformed into immortal  ones.  Our hearts and minds will have no room for discouragement.  The warfare of our minds will be finished. 

Looking forward to His new mercies in the morning.

Melissa