Rachel's Rhythm

Today our mission starts it's annual fundraiser called Walk for Hope. Last year we walked from the confines of our property due to the pandemic and I had (naively) imagined that this year would be different. Actually, we are in the same lockdown situation as last year. Weekends there is "toque de queda" which means no one can be out in public AT ALL. Ironically, I am in an even smaller space, confined to the very small guest room. What I would give to have the freedom to walk around outside along the perimeter of the property! It's true what they say, "you don't appreciate what you have until it's gone".

I've been in isolation for the past 12 days, after attending a women's retreat where there was an outbreak of COVID. A day after the retreat I began having symptoms and several days later I got tested to confirm that I did indeed have COVID. There are many things to be grateful for. I had very mild symptoms and have recuperated quickly and safely from home. Since I went straight into isolation, it appears that no one else in my family was infected (Ivan got tested recently and it came back negative). My mother-in-law has been here to help out with the cooking and cleaning. I'm able to be isolated in a room with it's own bathroom and big windows to look outside and watch the kids play. It's still hard. Benji and I pass notes under the door. He constantly asks me to open the door and come out.

Just a few more days and I will re-enter my little world. I cannot wait to hug my people again. The retreat I attended was amazing and such a balm to my soul. It was such a gift to be with some dear friends and be encouraged and poured into for a few days. I began my journey home on that spiritual high to the blow of COVID arriving at the door. I have had quite a bit of time to reflect (haha) and I've continued to read in Nehemiah. Fittingly, in Nehemiah 6:9 we find Nehemiah encountering opposition as he rebuilds the wall.

They were trying to intimidate us into quitting. They thought, "They'll give up, they'll never finish it." I prayed, "Give me strength." (MSG)

v14 "Oh my God, don't let [them] get by with all the mischief they've done... who have been trying to undermine my confidence." (MSG)

v15-16 The wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of Elul. It had taken fifty-two days. When all our enemies heard the news and all the surrounding nations saw it, our enemies totally lost their nerve. They knew that God was behind this work. (MSG)

As I reflect on Nehemiah's story, I am encouraged to not give up. I am encouraged to not let my confidence in Christ be undermined and to keep doing what He has called me to do. Despite enemies trying to bring him down, Nehemiah with the help of many finished the wall. He was faithful and persevered. It has been my prayer that I would also be faithful and persevere. One night, during this isolation, my body didn't feel good and my mind just started to spiral downward, imagining worst-case scenarios and really working myself into a frenzy. Doesn't the enemy just love to get us alone and isolated to mess with our thoughts? A friend messaged randomly and asked how I was doing. I immediately shared that I was not well and asked for prayer. She began praying and sending me truth to combat the lies I was hearing in my mind.

I could be discouraged today. Instead of a return to normalcy, I remain isolated and the country continues to be under strict restrictions due to the pandemic. But I will join my voice with the words in Nehemiah 9:5-6 (MSG)

"Blessed be your glorious name, exalted above all blessing and praise! You're the one, GOD, you alone; You made the heavens, the heavens of heavens, and all angels; the earth and everything on it, the seas and everything in them; You keep them all alive; heaven's angels worship you!"

Let us join together and bless His name. God is behind this work. May He strengthen us to do it.