My Lord, My Strength

“I love you, O Lord, my strength. The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Psalm 18:1-2

As I laid there on the bed, wasted from the fever and pain, these words from Psalm 18 rang in my ears and filled my prayers.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word. Thank you for your Spirit, the Comforter, who applies the sweetness of your Word to weak pilgrims such as myself. Thank you Father for your earthly messengers of grace and mercy such as our clinical staff! They have diligently and graciously cared for my needs at odd hours and done so cheerfully. Thank you for Christopher Verdick (and his faithful and supportive wife, Chloe) and for his endless efforts in managing the clinic. Thank you for our missionary associates, through whom you have provided for me child care, supper, and support. Thank you for Pastor Okken and family for their constant care and support for our family. Thank you for my children. They have hovered over me like butterflies, checking on their sick mama, making meals and doing other household chores to keep the family going. Thank you for the prayers of Karimojong friends and friends and family all over the world.

I am especially grateful for my dear beloved husband, whose tender care has nursed me to health over and over again these last eleven years. Father, thank you for this gift. The older and weaker I have gotten the stronger and deeper his love has grown for me.

Thank you Lord for sickness, for through this stressful and dark valley you have carried me in the palm of your hand and shown me all the ways I have been blessed. I bless your Name. “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from You.” Psalm 16:2

I walked to the clinic myself today for my second antibiotic injection. Although very tired, I am beginning to feel much better. I have been able to eat and drink and even do a few things around the house.

Father…. thank you for restoring me back to health again and being my strength!

~ Rashel