Another Lesson From Haiti

In last week’s column I shared I was reminded of while we were in Haiti with our church from Murrieta. Although there isn’t enough paper in the world to share everything the Lord showed me, I thought I’d leave you with one more thought.

The Haitian believers seem to be able to make Philippians 4:4 a reality in their lives. Paul tells us to “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” Although many of them experience extreme poverty, wrestle with diseases and frequent deaths of loved ones, and lack of shelter, they still “praise the Lord.” They have learned to be grateful for the things they have, and cling to Him in their time of need.

I know I can’t speak for every one of them, but the ones I personally know don’t point their fingers at God and curse Him for their circumstances. They continue to call out to Him in prayer for help, deliverance, safety, provision, and healing. Their faith is strong while their bodies are weak. They don’t doubt His love for them. They seem to echo the words of Job, “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21). 

While the suicide rate climbs higher and higher in the United States, the land of plenty, the Haitians struggle to survive. They don’t take their lives; they do everything they can to live. When we sing and worship with them, it’s an amazing thing. While I want to cry for them, they lift their voices in praise to their God. The words to one of their songs still rings in my ears, “Papa’m pran control sou tanpet yo” which means, “My Father, take control of the storm, I will be still and know You are with me.” As Hurricane Emily approached, they kept right on singing!

I must point out that Haiti is a nation that was dedicated to Satan many years ago, and voodoo houses and witch doctors are still present throughout the country. I don’t know who or what they blame their circumstances on, but the Christians are much different. They believe God and trust Him, despite their circumstances. Don’t get me wrong; they aren’t "happy" about their lot in life, but they “give thanks in all things” despite them. Not thanks for all things, but thanks in all things. There’s a huge difference between the two.

Daily "life" and the difficult circumstances and situations I find myself seem to easily distract me. I pray that I will grow in my understanding of what it means to “rejoice always” and “give thanks in all things.” 

Even if we don’t understand what God is doing, we can trust Him. We don’t live on explanations, but on promises, which His Word is packed full of. I am “determined” to make rejoicing a reality in my life. Will you join me?