[et_pb_section admin_label="section"][et_pb_row admin_label="row"][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_text admin_label="Text" background_layout="light" text_orientation="left" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid"] Yesterday evening, Robb and I sat down for a relaxing evening of dinner and some nice music. At 9 pm, our night watchman came knocking on the door. He informed Robb that there was a snake in the chicken coop. Robb picked up a few tools that he thought he could use to kill it and ventured outside, locking me and the dogs inside. He assumed it would be a small snake that was easy to deal with. Instead he found a BIG black snake. A deadly one. He came back inside to get the car keys and go out to find some guys to help kill it. He came back a little while later with four guys. After some struggle, they beat and killed the snake. Thankfully none of them were hurt, though we did lose three of our chickens.
We never know when life will be interrupted with trouble. We couldn’t have anticipated that a dangerous snake would enter our compound last night and disrupt our plans and put us and our animals in danger. Such is life. We have to recognize that surprises will come: good ones and bad ones alike. When they do, how we respond matters. Like snakes; bad attitudes, health problems, financial worries, and other various disappointments can creep upon us uninvited. The best thing to do is to protect what we have, rally the troops, and face the problem. Robb was brave, as were the men who came to help him. If not for that bravery we might still be cowering inside the house waiting for someone to come to our rescue. And if not for help, Robb couldn’t have faced the snake alone. We need each other and we need to humbly admit when we cannot do something on our own. Life is a journey we travel together. Snakes come and go. There’s peace and there’s war. Through it all, let’s face it hand in hand and side by side.
And on one final note, I am thoroughly encouraged because though these things are a surprise to us, God knows. He sees what trials and pests we will face tomorrow and a year from now. He allowed that to happen when Robb was here and not traveling to Kampala. I thank God that I didn’t have to deal with that alone. Remember, whatever snakes may come your way, that God is a loving Sovereign God. He already defeated the great serpent and secured victory for us through His Son. (1 Cor. 15:56-57, Rev. 12:10-11) Because of His love, you never have to face the snakes alone.
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[author] [author_image timthumb='on']http://www.ericambasan.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/IMG_0088.jpg[/author_image] [author_info]Hi, my name is Erica and I am a God-called missionary for Northern Uganda. It is my passion and life-calling to bring God’s word to the people of the world. Each and every one of us can do our part in spreading God’s word to people in need of Jesus’ healing touch and hope. Trying to figure out if God has called you to the mission field? Do you want to learn more about what it’s like to be a missionary? Check out my book, For the Joy Set Before Us – Insights Into the Missionary Journey today.[/author_info] [/author]
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