Sunday, October 20, 2013

I Can't Imagine

Even after living here (meaning Africa) almost 6 years some days it still hits me that as much as I know about and interact with the culture, I really can't imagine what it is like.
It was a couple of weeks ago when I saw for the umpteenth time people waiting out in the rural area for a kombi "comb-bee" which is the local mini van/bus system.
But then it hit me, can I even imagine having to walk long distances to stand and wait for a ride that might come in 5 min or 2 hours or not at all that day? How would I plan my day or my life if that was my reality? I honestly, couldn't imagine.
Then, my list started to grow.
Could I imagine sleeping on a mattress or foam pad on the ground?
Could I imagine coming home after a day at a CarePoint with a layer of dust all over me and be unable to take a shower or bathe to get it off?
Could I imagine only bathing or doing laundry or dishes from water collected at a neighborhood tap?
Could I imagine being cold and scared and not be able to do anything about it?
Could I imagine not having food to eat?
Could I imagine not being able to see a doctor when I was ill?
I can't.  
And I never will. 
Even if I tried to go and live in the rural area I would always know I could walk away. 
It wouldn't be the same.
Many of you, I'm sure, can't imagine living in Africa.
But then God took my eyes off the physical and made me go deeper.....
Could I imagine going through my life without having a personal relationship with Jesus?
Could I imagine being confused and not having the Bible or the Holy Spirit to guide me?
Could I imagine being alone in Africa, without Him?
Could I imagine living without the joy, the peace or the lack of worry because I trust Him?
Could I imagine dying today not knowing what is after death?
I can't imagine.
I am thankful beyond what I can describe, that I don't have to.
But what about you?
Can you imagine? Or is this your reality?
I'm relooking at the world around me differently. Not that I didn't think of it before but because I have let myself be distracted by the cultural and economical differences. I need to refocus on the eternal differences. I don't want anyone to not know Jesus intimately. I couldn't and wouldn't be where I am today without Him in my life. I don't want to be in anyone's face but I do want to be a better reflection of Him. 
I want to be more conscious that some people live a life I cannot imagine.
I want people to know the One who is not from my imagination. 
The Christ who is alive and real and loves you!
If you don't know Him or believe in Him, message me. I would love to talk

1 comment:

dennis weidus said...

Mahgay: I understand what ya mean! I can't imagine life without Jesus & the Holy Spirit either. My spiritual eyes have been opened to things happening all around, and how Father is using things happening everyday everywhere to make us aware of His plans for our future. He told us in His Word to watch for the things that are happening now, and to be ready, as well as make others aware that they point to Jesus' returning soon! Earthquakes are happening all over the world many time daily. A Comet is heading on a course to pass close to the Earth, with possible cataclysmic consequences. Upheavals in major world governments are happening. Along with technological advances preparing for the Mark of The Beast. These things could be frightening, but if your trust is in Jesus along with the comfort of the Holy Spirit, then you have peace That Passes Understanding!
Give the kids a hug from me & greet the rest of the Cup bros & Sistuhs for me! Especially the bro with no belly button! Love from Louizianna!! Dennis