Why worry??

Phillipians 4:6   

“Don’t worry” might seem like the silliest advice anyone could ever give. Yet here it is in black and white, inspired by the Holy Spirit: “Have no anxiety about anything.” Worry has got to be one of the most common problems of the human race. It is almost a daily companion in one form or another for many of us. Still Paul says, “Don’t do it; don’t worry.”

Does he suggest an alternative? Yes, and one that works according to the testimony of many Christians: “But in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Telling God about your problem is the alternative to worry. He cared enough to send Jesus, His Son, to be our Savior. If He cared that much, can’t we trust Him to take care of us, to deal with the problems that worry us? As human beings, maybe we’ll toss and turn occassionally. But we’ve all seen the calm that comes to those who commit their concerns to the Lord and wait patiently for His gift of peace. What a difference it makes!” (All of the above comes from a devotional that I read recently)

When our minds race with thoughts, worries and questions and as we run around trying to do so many things, Jesus watches, wanting so badly for us to run to Him. He longs for us to talk to Him and to have an intimate relationship with Him.  Recently, Robenson-n has been reminding me of this. He says, “Our place is at the feet of Jesus. When you are worried, go to Jesus first and tell him everything. Put it at his feet. Then when you finish praying, walk away, don’t pick up your problems again. Leave them with Jesus. If you start to worry again, you are saying God is not big enough to take care of your problems.” Amen. It’s so true. I always yearn to come back to that place, in prayer, at Jesus’ feet, where I find peace, such sweet peace.  God’s got it under control!!!

Lately Robenson-n and I have been working on some planning for the future. We drew boxes containing categories: wedding, organization, visa, house. We started making lists in each box. When we look at these boxes, the lists can seem overwhelming, but we have found peace in praying for a few details each night, setting a certain goal for each week, and trusting God to work out the details. What a blessing it has been!  Our first priority is to get a visa for Robenson-n to travel to the states for our wedding in July. The embassy can deny visas easily, so we must prove that we have a reason to go and also a reason to return.  We are gathering letters from our workplaces and his pastor to show our credibility.  This week we went to town (and happened to chase a big wild pig through the streets on my fourwheeler…haha) and then made it to the bank, intending to pay the visa fee before we can apply online.  (The application must be filled out online, then the embassy in Port au Prince will give the applicant an appointment to come in for an interview)  Anyway,  the visa line was already closed for the day.  So, we did some  shopping and Robenson-n went back to the bank this morning and ended up waiting 3 hours.   As you can see, lines are extremely slow and terribly long at the banks.  BUT…we’ve checked that off the list!!  Praise the Lord!!  So, a prayer request is that we can get everything done for the visa and that God will prepare us for the interview that is ahead.

Here is Roby squinting in the sun in front of the bank.

Below are some pictures of one of Robenson-n’s Good News Clubs that we hold every week in front of his house.   Robenson-n lives here in Les Cayes and has grown up in this neighborhood.  He knows alot of the kids and desires for them to know Christ.  There are usually about 100 children that attend this particular club .  I love watching him teach children about the love of God. He is so animated and holds their attention well.  I feel so blessed to have Robenson-n in my life!  Last Sunday, I met the little girl who had run up to him at church the very first time I met him.   She is such a sweet heart.  Roby told me that she doesn’t have a father, so for her, Roby is her father-figure.  On Sunday, she told him she needs shoes for school because she only has one pair that she wears to church and school both and they are getting worn out.  He talked with her and gave her some money to start saving for new shoes.  I love his heart to help and serve others.