During this trying time - with people are isolated and nervous, perhaps even scared of what is to come - Marion Medical Mission (MMM) thought their supporters might enjoy remembering past miracles and connecting with others to pray for everyone affected by the virus, both here and around the world. They are sending a short devotion each Monday, Wednesday & Friday morning, continuing until quarantine restrictions are lifted. These devotions have been written by volunteers and staff members about their experiences with MMM; each is uplifting, positive and beautifuly written. We think these devotions are timeless and may provide comfort and connection for those who read them and pray with them. If you'd like to be on added to that list, email MMM HERE
Sharing the love of Jesus by providing safe, clean, sustainable sources of drinking water to the extreme poor in sub-Saharan Africa, Marion Medical Mission is one of our mission partners at Grace Presbyterian Church of Midland, Texas, and we STRONGLY encourage you to read these devotions to learn more about - and pray for! - their mission.
Strength
Kathleen Manfredi
Volunteer, Illinois
"I can do all things through him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
In a real way, you are offering your body to God, sacrificing comfort for aches and pains. You are giving your physical body to God to perform hot sweaty work, tiring and perhaps, at times, even frustrating work-pure and pleasing because you intentionally chose this way to serve. You are preparing for an exhausting day, yet at the same time you are looking forward to an exciting day - meeting new friends, learning new skills, lots of laughter and singing, and a renewed appreciation for the beauty of God's creation.
When I was young and had an unpleasant or difficult task ahead of me, my mother encouraged me to separate the job into smaller segments that seemed less formidable. Frequently, she would say something like, "Swim these next two laps for your grandmother" or "Carry this next load for your uncle." While I was in Malawi, there were several days when the distances between villages seemed extra long or the incline was extremely steep. I employed my mother's trick and walked the "next 20 steps for my brother" or climbed to the next outcrop "for my son." Although I was still the one exerting the effort, I felt surrounded by the love of my family and seemed to gain a fresh surge of energy, especially as I would look around at my surroundings with the "new eyes" of those who were with me only in spirit.
Focus: There will be tough times, but know that you are surrounded by love and prayers every moment. Find joy in every day and look for God in the faces around you. God will be changing the way you think as a result of your service.
Prayer: God, we lift our difficulties, pains and sorrows to you. Receive them. Sometimes we can't fly over our problems on eagle's wings; we plod through them. But it is you, O Lord, who saves us and gives us the strength to go on. Thank you, God, for being present with me today. Open my heart and eyes. Fill me with excitement as I prepare to live out my faith today. Let your love shine through me. Help me sleep well tonight, trusting in your love and in your closeness to each one of us. Amen.
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