I've been thinking a lot about Africa recently because people from almost every facet of my life are involved with that continent in some way. I've desired to go there and not yet found the Lord's leading to do so, yet my thoughts about that part of the world weigh heavily on my heart tonight.
Reading through the book of Job has lent a lot of perspective on life in general but some verses have really left me feeling confused and frustrated.
"He saves the needy from the sword in their mouth; he saves them from the clutches of the powerful. So the poor have hope and injustice shuts its mouth." (Job 5:15,16)
I believe that but then I look at nations like Africa and see the complete opposite happening. Thousands of people are slaughtered or dying from HIV every day; even more are displaced, and injustice runs rampant. I know this is a fallen world but my heart aches for these people that have been so largely bereft of 'normalcy' and a quality of life I believe EVERY human was created with the capacity to deserve and enjoy.
I grieve for those in pain and at the same time, I am reminded of how blessed a life I lead. These trails experienced daily in Africa are not pretty, yet they continue to shape souls after the Father's...and in many ways-the faith of those African children is much stronger than my own; I'm sure.
"We need winds and tempests to exercise our faith, to tear off the rotten bough of self-dependence, and to root us more firmly in Christ. The day of evil reveals to us the value of our glorious hope." -Charles Spurgeon.
His glorious hope shines through the eyes of the beautiful people on that continent. Thankfully, my friend Sarah shares those stories of hope with us as she lives in the midst of some true 'angels' and sees Christ in a very real way (photos courtesy of Sarah).
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