Initial Africa Reflections

So, I’m finally here in Africa, to be precise I am in Chikankata District in Zambia’s Southern Province. Yesterday was day 2 of this new adventure in my life, and if I’m being very honest, I felt a little overwhelmed.

As I sat yesterday morning reading Genesis 12, a scripture God gave me several times over the past few months to encourage me in this journey, I began to question what I’m doing here in Africa. Though I knew He had spoken to me through this scripture both personally and through others, instead of being encouraged, I felt flooded with questions and doubts.

Did I really hear from God or is this my doing?

Who am I to be here?

Do I really think God is going to lead me?

What if I’ve got it all wrong?

I then began to read Hebrews 11 about the heroes of faith, especially about Abraham and Sarah. As I did, I heard Jesus say, ‘Peace be still, I’ve got this Michelle.’ Instantly the questions and the doubts stopped because the One who spoke is faithful and I have history with Him, especially over recent months with this statement.

‘Peace be still, I’ve got this Michelle,’ are the words that Jesus used to help me walk the journey of trusting Him to be my Provider. Every time I would begin to doubt or fear whether He would provide for me in this journey, I would declare or He would remind me of these words. Then one day I know them to be true and that He has my provision in His hands.

So, yesterday morning as I doubted and questioned my being here in Africa, these words brought me faith and peace because of my history with Jesus. He has already shown me that He has my finances and so now, I will declare these words afresh whenever my heart starts to doubt this journey I am on. I am so thankful that Jesus knows what I need even before I know it and sets me up for success.

Immediately after this we had devotions together and it was all about giving Jesus the things we are uncertain about, the things we want to keep hidden, the things that hurt or cause disappointment. I was able to give the fear and doubt to Him knowing that He is far bigger than any of it.

Then, as if that wasn’t enough, I had the privilege of walking with a beautiful young lady (who of here from the States for a couple of weeks), and partnering with Holy Spirit to bring her into greater freedom and more of her identity. If what had gone before had not given me confidence to trust that Jesus has this and I just need to choose His peace, then this did!

So, I’m here in Zambia and I know what the next 5ish weeks look like a little, after that I have no idea but I choose to trust that Jesus knows exactly what it looks like.

I choose to trust that He has gone before me and prepared a way.

I choose to walk in peace and not in doubt or fear.

I choose to believe that I’m here with purpose and He will direct my steps whenever I need.

And, if I find doubts, fears or questions coming back to mind then I will declare afresh, ‘Peace be still Michelle, Jesus has got this,’ and I know that this will become my truth that I walk forward with. I chose to partner with peace because this enables me to be present and to find joy in all He is doing in and through me.

I am learning that in the unknowing He is faithful.

I am learning that in the unknowing He stretches me far beyond what I could ask or imagine.

I am learning more and more that I am wonderfully and imperfectly in process and that He is very happy with that, so I should be content with that too!

Thank you for reading. I pray you are blessed in your journey and that you know that, you are wonderfully and imperfectly in process and that your Heavenly Papa is happy with that!