Let’s be honest. We all have one of “those” weeks sometimes.
The week where you get a speeding ticket, you lose something important or you
just don’t have the energy. It’s been one of those weeks for us. The traffic
police have been ruthless, our brakes on the truck started leaking, we ran out
of water at our house, we hit a snag with a project that should not be a
problem and our kids seem to be on an
out-of-school-boredom-so-we-are-going-to-argue-nonstop kind of kick. But, in
the midst of frustration, it has also been a week full of blessings. We have a
Work and Witness team of 11 from PointLoma Nazarene University (PLNU) ministering
with us in Lubumbashi. Nine people were baptized, four of which were on the
PLNU team. We were able to spend some quality time with a family from the kids’
school we have wanted to get to know better. A neighbor down the street shared
water from his well with us. We are all in good health and our vegetable garden
starting sprouting. And, as in previous years, after a group of university
students spend time with our kids, they are convinced that college will be the
best place ever.
These are the weeks we have to hold on the tightest to God’s
Word. “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” (Hebrews 13:5b NLT) “Rejoice
always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s
will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV) “As for God, his
way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in
him…It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.” (Psalm 18:30,
32 NIV)
Despite the frustrations of this week, we keep our eyes
focused on the blessings. We keep our eyes fixed on the Author and Perfecter of
our faith, Jesus Christ.