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Overwhelming Conflict

Psalms 91:2
“I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.”” 
This past Sunday, team Uganda had the privilege to lead the two church services. From worship to the sermon, the Lord was present. Having never sung in front of really anyone to being on the worship team and having not one, but two solos, was rather frightening. In addition to having a spirit of fear, the morning of, I was faced with a myriad of conflict as a glob of toothpaste dropped slyly onto the shirt I was planning on wearing, I did not have a necklace to match the shirt I then had to put on, and I ran out of time for curling my hair and ironing my skirt. I knew the enemy was seeking to do whatever he could to focus my eyes on myself rather than on what the Lord was attempting to do in and through me for that day, but I was already defeated and left wondering how a day that had begun so terribly could have a positive outcome. I needed a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit for sure. Surely enough, that is what I received. Mike Slack, who recently arrived in Uganda with his wife, Judy, to serve under Potter’s Field, touched on the topic of being overwhelmed by conflict in the morning devotional. How fitting! The Lord knew I needed His comfort and strength but also reminded me that I needed to first trust Him to give me both. Mike also touched on being in the Lord’s will, stating that he does not always know that he is walking in the will of God for his life, but he is quick to know when he steps out. I know I was called to Uganda to serve under Potter’s Field for 180 days. Likewise, I knew I was called to perform on stage for Ignite Sunday to worship the Lord with the voice He had given me. Nothing. Else. Mattered. As I continued to listen to Mike preach his last encouraging words, I began to realize that by allowing the Holy Spirit to penetrate my heart, the enemy could no longer have victory. The day that I had wanted to be perfect in every way was surrendered to the Lord to do what He willed with it, even if that meant the conflict that I had been surrounded by that morning continued. But our God is compassionate, He is rich in love and full of mercy and His will for my life that day was not to endure more conflict but to realize that I needed to be completely dependent on Him, even in the petty aspects of my life. As I prepared to sing my first solo, “In Christ Alone,” I was able to share this verse, Psalms 91:2, with the congregation because in the midst of conflict, my hope was found in Christ alone.

Application
This week, I will set reminders in my phone for every hour to pray for each person that has positively effected my life during my time in Uganda. 

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