Last week I shared about God’s encouragement to me during a period of depression and burnout. Today I’ll share what happened the very next week when Paul and I were traveling to do member care and I had no strength…

“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are His; He changes times and seasons; He sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.” Daniel 2: 20-21

I am sitting in this amazing garden in North Africa. I am surrounded by sunlight and warm wind. The sun filters through the vines above me where they make a canopy of shade in the little walkway. On either side are two walled-in-garden areas. One is filled with olive trees and lantana and geraniums and sprouting sunflowers and fresh herbs; the other with laurier (oleander) and more blooming geraniums. This internal garden has definitely the feel of North Africa, with the tiles and the white walls and the wrought iron protecting the windows. But the vegetation reminds me so much of Montpellier and Greece. This is another Mediterranean country, and how I love it. I love the light and the familiar plants and flowers and the smell of them and the warmth.

I am smiling today, after our retreat weekend with this precious group of young people. Their leader found an amazing brand-new house—four bedrooms, four baths, beautiful grounds, a pool, gorgeous view of the hills around and the olive groves. It was windy and rainy over the weekend, but we had time for a hike and swimming and ping pong and relaxing. The house was perfect, huge and open, for all of us.

And somewhere between the airport in Lyon and that house in North Africa, my dark depression lifted. So strange and powerful that leaving France and going into a country which by all accounts is much ‘darker’ spiritually would nonetheless lift the depression.

It is Your power which comes from our begging You for help, Lord, and from others praying for us, from us admitting the truth.

And my headaches abated too.

And so, my heart was lighter, and I could truly listen to these dear, courageous workers and love them and care. Oh, Lord, You are the God who changes times and seasons, and a worn-out middle-aged women. I praise You for Your mighty power that trumps my depression and insecurities.

Once again, Paul and I see that the way You have created and equipped us is exactly what is needed in our work of caring for workers. Thank You that we are not intimidating people. That it is easy for us to be vulnerable and love and care and encourage. Thank You that this breaks down barriers.

Now I pray that, as we have these next three days to spend time one on one with these young people, You will give us great discernment and ears to hear and, if needed, words of wisdom to offer.

I am almost giddy with thankfulness that, although my ‘hard drive’ (my little brain) is full, although I am ‘done’, I can still feel love and care and hope and reach out. Merci. It is only by Your power.

Can you remember a time when God’s power transformed you, giving you the grace to push through and be used by Him even when your ‘hard drive’ was full? If shout, shout out praise to Him here!