CELEBRATE
Giving God the glory in the moment is something I’ve learned from the Burundian people. They are very aware to acknowledge God in their daily lives. From the simple to the grand, immediate praise is consistent in the rhythm of their lives. When you have overcome a common cold, “praise God for His healing power.” When you arrive home after an evening gathering, “praise God for His traveling mercies.” When a project has been successful, “praise God for His provision.” The Lord receives the first words of thanks and honor.
In Acts 12, King Herod failed to acknowledge God in his speech when he was praised by the people. The result, God struck him down on the spot.
Acts 12:21 – 24
On the appointed day Herod, wearing his royal robes, sat on his throne and delivered a public address to the people. They shouted, “This is the voice of a god, not of a man.” Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died. But the word of God continued to spread and flourish.”
This story is a shocking reminder to me to give Him the glory. I think I’ve been slow to give immediate praise. My rhythms of life have a penchant for reflection, to look back at what has occurred. When I slow down, it is in those moments that I generally see where He has moved. It’s not always in the moment for me. But I’m learning. I’m learning to be in His moments and not in MY moments. I’m learning from my Burundian friends. As habitual as wishing someone blessing after a sneeze, I wish for praise to radiate from my daily life.
This past week we gathered to praise God and to celebrate how our Mighty Lord has been present in Burundi. The organization I partner with here in Burundi, Harvest Initiatives, celebrated 25 years since they first started ministry. God’s provision throughout the years has fueled this organization to impact an entire nation. Countless disciples have been equipped to serve one another through Christ’s example and to love the vulnerable as themselves. It is more than a ministry; it is a lifestyle. The results are apparent in a transformed generation of disciples. Hallelujah Emmanuel!! Our God transformed a country. The impact can be seen from border to border in Burundi. If I extrapolate it beyond the borders of Burundi I would say that God transformed the nations. Several nations were present last week to share in the celebration. Numerous visitors to this country have grown in their relationship with God because of their involvement in ministry with Harvest Initiatives. People have moved their families here to be in partnership with what God is doing through Harvest Initiatives. You can ask the founders of Harvest Initiatives if this is what they envisioned 25 years ago for this ministry. How could anyone imagine this kind of impact? Lives have been changed. He can do immeasurably more than than we can ever ask or imagine. The glory belongs to the Lord. He provided and He made a way. Praise God!
