Currently, we receive water flowing to our house for about four days over a two week time period. On the flowing days, our family attempts to do all of our laundry. If not, we can drain our tank quickly of water supply. In Teshie, two of the orphanages we visit only receive water one day per week. However, since January, there have been a few weeks when the water has not come. A missionary friend on the coast here went for a few months without any water flowing to their house. At all. They had to pay trucks to come fill their water tank so they could cook, bathe, and wash. Filling tanks with water becomes very expensive quickly. Additionally, even though the water flowing through our pipes is not safe to drink, the water trucks are known to fill from disgusting water sources. Water you would never want touching your skin.
Recently as well, our power has been out frequently. Much more than usual. Last week we only had power for three of seven days. Without electricity, our lives are altered drastically. Whenever the power is out, we can not run our water pump, so we also do not have water unless it is flowing to the house. No electricity also means no water.
Thankfully, we are beginning to accept this as one of our challenges in life here. We’ve developed systems and plans that alleviate the frustration when water or electricity do not come. We have large plastic cans filled with water ready at any time. We have a generator that can keep our refrigerator running so we don’t lose any meat. Most importantly, we don’t use what we do not need. Believe it or not, I can now bathe in 2 cups of water without washing my hair! Our boys can do it with even less. We’re learning.
The reason I share this is because this rationing of resources has caused me to think about God’s love for us.
For a long time, I believed my performance dictated God’s love for me. If I was good enough, kind enough, sacrificed enough, gave enough, etc.. then God would love me. I believed my pleasing actions would cause God to ration to me what was due.
This is not true.
I’ve also struggled to believe in God’s abiding love when I don’t feel it. When circumstances are difficult, or trials come, or relationships are strained, it can seem like God is holding back his love from me. My feelings can cause me to fail to sense God’s loving presence.
And, this is not true.
Our God does not ration His love. Everything in Him is constantly available to His children. His love. His power. His goodness. His forgiveness. His presence. HE is limitless. There is a never-ending source within Him for everything. But we must access it knowing He is there. All of Him. All the time. In every circumstance.
There are days here in Ghana when I turn on the faucet and no water comes. I attempt to turn on the overhead fan but see the blades remain still. There are times when I am typing an email and the computer buzzes as the screen goes black because the power has been shut off. Some evenings here, the room will become pitch black in a split second because there is not electricity flowing to the house.
But our God isn’t like that.
The flow from Him is unending - without even a moment of pause. The availability of His love is never questionable. The living water is always flowing. The power source is never shut off.
Wow! Isn’t that incredible? When I think about this reality, it brings such JOY. Imagine truly accessing all that God offers us! It’s amazing, freeing, and exciting! He never holds anything back from us!
Even as I type this, I am smiling. God uses all things to reveal Himself to us. Even water and electricity shortages have been a life lesson for me. What a blessing that we do not serve a God who rations.
For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.
Psalm 100:5
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever.
1 chronicles 16:34
For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise theLord!
Psalm 117:2
2 comments:
Hello! My name is Erin and I just wanted to tell you how much I have appreciated your blog. I tried to email you but I'm not sure if you received it or if I even sent it to a correct address. My husband and I with our 5 kids are entering our 4th month here in Ghana. We can definitely relate to many of your stories and love your heart for the people here. I love how you see God in all things, especially the things that seem inconvenient (like all the power outages we've been having! :) ) Your words have been encouraging as our family transitions. Thank you!
Having just returned from Ghana I understand the frustrations of water and power in that country. However, it is true God works through these trials and misfortunes and brings His love shining through the people who he touches.
God bless you in your work and God bless the people in Ghana!
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