Sunset

As the sun sets on this chapter of my life with Mercy Ships, I look forward to what God has next for me as I go stateside. One thing I know for sure that the God that has been faithful so far will continue to do so. Not to worry, there will be more blogs to come, but for now I am taking the time to rest and reflect on the past 4.5 years in West Africa. 

Thank you Lord for this magnificent display of your creation. Surely as the sun sets, you are faithful in your promises to be with us when it rises the next day. 

"Let the name of the Lord be praised both now and forevermore. From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised. The Lord is exalted over all the nations, his glory above the heavens. 

Psalm 113:2-4

You Said

I often say songs speak to my heart more than anything else in this world. For some people its nature, some its reading or listening to a speaker. The list could go on forever, but for me its the powerful lyrics combined with a beautiful melody. Which is kind of ironic since I'm not musically talented whatsoever and if you sit me down to read chords, my eyes go cross (true story this week). One of my friends likes to tell me I make a joyful noise, not music, when I sing.
I believe we worship and connect with God in unique ways. That is why some of us can sit through a hour-long sermon, or do intense Bible study homework, or just meditation- and somethings speaks to our heart. Most of us know the love languages, but music I like to say is my heart language. I could read a passage like Psalm 121, but not until I can sing it with a guitar strumming do I know deep down that I can look to the Lord for help. Hymns are one of my favorite music genres. Before everyone could read and modern technology helped with mass production, hymns were sung to teach theology to the church. I love how hymns like "Amazing Grace" and "In Christ Alone" not only teaches us the gospel, but we can proclaim the truth when we sing from our hearts. 
So tonight, I'm going to share you one of my favorite worship songs, "You Said" written by Reuben Morgan. I first heard this song in youth group, most likely getting ready to leave for my first Mexico mission trip and it has been my prayer ever since. Fast forward 14 years and I find myself singing this song at a worship night in my last days in Guinea. I barely could get the words out the first time through as I was overwhelmed with God's faithfulness. I really did ask for the nations, I prayed for Him to send me to the ends of the earth. I have seen His healing and the light break through darkness here in West Africa. 

This song andy prayer will always be on repeat in my heart. 

"You said, ask and you will receive

Whatever you need
You said, Pray and I'll hear from heaven

And I'll heal your landYou said Your glory will fill the earth
Oh, Like water the seas
You said, Lift up your eyes
The harvest is here, the kingdom is near
You said, Ask and I'll give the nations to you
O Lord, that's the cry of my heart
Distant shores and the islands will see Your light, as it rises on us..."