Another chilly morning. I don't think my arthritis appreciates it. The past few days I've been more sore than usual, particularly in the mornings. It could be the cold, or the fact I haven't felt as rested, or I could possibly be experiencing a flare. Only God knows.
Last night I was reading from Thomas Hale's book again and he said a few things that struck me. I think they're worth writing down, reflecting on, and praying over:
"Of all the forms of slander, the most subtle takes place during our private prayers. We slander people before God... a man given to long hours of private prayer, (John) Hyde was in his room praying fervently for an Indian pastor who was experiencing some problems in his church. Hyde was praying that God would make this pastor less abrasive, less assertive, more gentle, more understanding. And as Hyde was praying for the Indian pastor, asking God for all the 'lesses' and 'mores' he could think of, the Holy Spirit suddenly broke into his prayers and convicted him of his critical attitude toward his Indian brother. The word from God that came to Hyde was this: 'That Indian pastor is the apple of my eye.'
"Hyde wept in repentance, and began at once to think of everything he knew that was good about that pastor. Then he began to praise and thank God for the pastor and for each of his good qualities. Within a week, revival had broken out in that pastor's church." (p. 184-5).
Wow. How powerful a testimony! How convicting! I must admit I tend to be critical and I believe this is exactly what Satan wants. But how it grieves the Holy Spirit when we constantly tear our brothers and sisters down though our thoughts, words, and actions- even through our prayers! Lord forgive me and replace my critical thoughts with encouraging ones. My prayer is Ephesians 4:29-32.
I had a great day of bonding with Stacy, today. She gave me some language tips, we talked about life, and we shared stories of God's faithfulness with each other. Appartently one of Marc and Stacy's supporters inherited $10,000 when her mother died but she just put it away in the bank and prayed that God would show her how to use it. Well recently, she felt led to give it to Marc and Stacy after their car accident, so she asked how much they thought they'd need to replace or fix their car and Stacy responded, "We discussed it and we think we'll probably need about $10,000 in addition to what the insurance company gives us for our vehicle." The woman felt this was the assurance she needed and so she had the money wired into the Nile's AIM account! Incredible!
She also told me an amazing story that happened to Alvid, the women with nine children and 17 people living in her home. Alvid was traveling by taxibousse to her home town where she grew up but it broke down on the side of the road, so she decided to walk to her destination. She knew the general direction, but was uncertain of how to get to the town, yet decided to cut through the woods. As she was praying, telling God she didn't think she could go any further with all the stuff she had to carry and asking Him to show her how to get there, she was suddenly surrounded by bandits. They blindfolded her, took all her stuff and led her further and further into the forest. The whole time Alvid was shaking and praying- she thought for sure this would be the end of her life. But finally after walking a really long time they stopped walking and the bandits took off her blindfold. They pointed to the top of a large hill in the distance telling her that her stuff was waiting there and just over that hill was where she needed to go. Before they sent her off they told her not to look back. They didn't hurt her but only helped her, as they carried her heavy bags for her! What a testimony! Incredible!
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