June 28th 2012
Nairobi, Kenya
Living by God’s grace is supposed to be indispensible in the
Kingdom. And yet, I often live by other means – usually my own weakness. This
is never more evident than when the circumstances of life become less than
enjoyable or when things do not go as I expected. My patience runs out, my joy
seems to evaporate, and I treat others like they are the problem instead with
kindness and humility.
Just before embarking of the trip I read Oswald Chambers
entry for June 26th in My
Utmost for His Highest. I was challenged and encouraged to live by God’s
grace in every moment. Chambers encourages the reader to look to Jesus for His
grace all the time. I have found that when I do, the results are quite
dramatic.
Things have not gone as we planned. A passport was left a
home – which necessitated a 6 hour trip to get it. Our flight to London was 2.5
hours late, causing us to miss our connection into Nairobi. This meant that
instead of having a restful night in a hotel in Nairobi, we flew all night. And
then, when we arrive in Nairobi half of our bags did not make it.
Yet through all this, God’s grace has been abundant and
powerful. I have not been frustrated or angry and have sensed overwhelming
desires to bless those along the journey. I don’t know what the people I am
interacting feel about this or if they even recognize it. But I do know my
heart is full of joy and peace – knowing that our good God is in control. This
is such a better way to live than being angry and frustrated with things beyond
my control.
The old saying that the journey is at least as important as
the destination is ringing true thus far. Experiencing God’s grace in and
through me has been good.
Thanks for your prayers and support!
Blessings,
Mark Burtch
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