Psalm 23 is a popular scripture that we recite often. I know I memorized Psalm 23 for the first time when I was in the 1st grade. It was the first chapter of the Bible that I memorized and will always hold a special place in my heart. I love how the Lord continually speaks to us through His word. Each time I read or meditate on Psalm 23 I get something different from it.
In Madagascar, I was sick the entire month. Sunday night was our second night in Madagascar, I had a fever, felt weak, nauseous, my lymph nodes were swollen and my throat hurt. I went to the clinic with another racer the next morning and we were told we had strep throat or throat infections. I had only had strep throat once before and it did hit me hard and fast, the same as this infection. After more than a week of rest, fluids and medication I was getting better. Then I had a stomach bug and people told me that I was literally green as my GI system was clearing me out in both directions. As my GI troubles cleared up, I then had something similar to the flu. My co-leader, Leanne was convinced I had caught the plague – which has been on the rise in Madagascar.
I am thankful for the good health that I usually have, only falling sick once every few years. I was frustrated with the Lord when I was sick the entire month and only made it off the compound where we were living, 3 days for ministry or to go to the clinic, during the 3 weeks were stayed on the compound.
Some great things that came out of me being sick and only on the compound were:
“He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness, For His name’s sake.” Psalm 23:2-3
– Loads of time to spend with the Lord praying
+ unity in the squad
+ trust to breakout throughout the squad – trusting the squad leaders, squad members,
team leaders, AIM leadership and most importantly, trusting the Lord
+ processing what the Lord had done in me in Africa, why He brought me there
+ lifting up my broken family, talking about my role and what I should do to help my family
+ impressing upon me the importance of rest – I have struggled with rest for a long time as
I have not slept “normally” in more than 20 years and enjoying being on the go.
I was refreshed in my intimacy with the Lord while being sick. He reminded me that half of my ministry each day is the people around me. I was able to rest on the compound and spend time with the squad and pour into them. The compound we lived on was for battered women and I was able to form some relationships with a few of the women. Sharing my story with them and encouraging them.
Has the Lord made you to lie down in green pastures lately?
I agree, resting can be hard when we have other ideas of what we should be doing. I hate that you were so sick, but am glad you’re on the mend and that God worked things together for good!
So sorry to hear how sick you were Tina! 🙁 But so thankful to hear how you were able to draw closer to the Lord during that time.
Love your blog. It’s great to know that even though you were sick, the Lord was able to still use you. Love you. Looking forward to seeing you next month. Hoping that this time we can spend more time together.
Love your blog. It’s great to know that even though you were sick, the Lord was able to still use you. Love you. Looking forward to seeing you next month. Hoping that this time we can spend more time together.
Just today my pastor said: Do you hear “make” in “make me lie down in green pastures?” God will not leave us where we were, in our pens like sheep…our shepherd will take us out and send us places to do his will. I thought of YOU!!!!!