Being Still

Psalm 46 “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at the break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The LORD almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Come and see the works of the LORD, the desolation he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire. Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”

Today as we talked with Pascal and his wife about the ministry situation in Senegal, I was pretty disheartened. There is so much work that needs to be done in this culture in order to show the Senegalese people who God is and how He loves them. The task is overwhelming when looking at it through my own eyes. Pascal shared with us about the growing influence of Islamic Middle Eastern nations in Senegal. In an attempt to promote the more fundamentalist Islamic religion, these nations are sending aid to Senegal in the form of orphanages, schools, and providing scholarships to students. Pascal explained how these nations are extremely strategic about seeking to expand their influence here, placing their followers in prominent positions so as to gain leadership. But as I read this passage tonight, I was reminded of the supremacy of Christ. He WILL be exalted among the nations. He WILL be exalted in the earth. Sometimes I need to remember to be still, and know that God is God. Nothing can thwart His plan to bring glory to Himself as the nations come to know Him. He loves the Senegalese people and desires for them to know and walk with Him. He is more than capable of accomplishing His plan and I am excited to be but a small part of it.