Last weekend when Bryan and Amanda were here Bryan asked me a question that I have thinking about all week. He asked, "what has brought you the most comfort here?" I thought for a second or two and then responded with "the church," which just happened to be where we were coming from.
My answer wasn't wrong but I don't think it was entirely true either. I do enjoy the church we have been going to very much. The worship is wonderful, the pastor is great, and I do feel the spirit is in that place. But it's more than the church.
What has brought me the most comfort here is the sense of God's presence everywhere I am and in everything I am doing. I know this where I need to be, even when I don't really want to be here, because I can feel his affirming presence. He makes it known each and everyday that he is near and I am loved. What greater comfort could I ask for?
Being in a Muslim country I was expecting the opposite, but I am surprised by how present I feel he is! I attribute that to all of those who are praying for me while here....I cannot thank you enough! At least 5 times a day (although sometimes it feels like more, other days less) I hear the Call to Prayer. A man's voice is broadcasted (quite loudly and often early!) throughout the city and surrounding areas. I don't understand a word of what is being said, but it still serves as a reminder to me also that I am here for Him. Several times, the call to prayer has started at the same time I am praying. There is something to be said for the idea of an entire nation joining in prayer at the same time! It's pretty cool.
It could be a colorful sunset, a hazy sunrise, a funny comment by a student, or even a smile from a stranger in the market but I find God is everywhere. Even in the midst of homesick moments and longing for the familiarity of home; I know I am where I should be because I am with Him.
And that is my greatest comfort.
My answer wasn't wrong but I don't think it was entirely true either. I do enjoy the church we have been going to very much. The worship is wonderful, the pastor is great, and I do feel the spirit is in that place. But it's more than the church.
What has brought me the most comfort here is the sense of God's presence everywhere I am and in everything I am doing. I know this where I need to be, even when I don't really want to be here, because I can feel his affirming presence. He makes it known each and everyday that he is near and I am loved. What greater comfort could I ask for?
Being in a Muslim country I was expecting the opposite, but I am surprised by how present I feel he is! I attribute that to all of those who are praying for me while here....I cannot thank you enough! At least 5 times a day (although sometimes it feels like more, other days less) I hear the Call to Prayer. A man's voice is broadcasted (quite loudly and often early!) throughout the city and surrounding areas. I don't understand a word of what is being said, but it still serves as a reminder to me also that I am here for Him. Several times, the call to prayer has started at the same time I am praying. There is something to be said for the idea of an entire nation joining in prayer at the same time! It's pretty cool.
It could be a colorful sunset, a hazy sunrise, a funny comment by a student, or even a smile from a stranger in the market but I find God is everywhere. Even in the midst of homesick moments and longing for the familiarity of home; I know I am where I should be because I am with Him.
And that is my greatest comfort.
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