Sunday, September 4, 2022
The Chosen Devotional
“Kindness is not complicated. Our Savior went out of His way to patch us up and bring us to safety despite the great personal cost. Why? So that we might help those who need help and demonstrate what it means to be love.” It may come with personal cost but we, as believers, know that cost has already been paid. We know that kindness matters. It’s why we listen to God’s call and go where He sends. It’s why we have come to Zanzibar.
I love how the rising sun illuminates the fishing boats on the sea before it’s actual rising. They are aglow with the promise and beauty that this new day brings.
The coconut palms flutter in the sea breezes as the dark birds dance on their branches. From our second floor breakfast porch, at eye level, we are welcomed into their living room.
The other day, Joe asked me why I raised my hand in the air when I prayed. He told me I looked like an old black woman in church. Today he got to see me with my real black women in church, arms held high in praise. We had such a praise fest with just enough of an island beat to get me dancing in my seat and beyond. It has me smiling even now.
I sang along making up my own words to mingle with their Swahili. ” What is impossible for me, is possible for You. Fall afresh with Your possibilities.”
Pastor Johana called the team to the front and had each of us introduce ourselves and some of us said more than our names. I thought Joe might be uncomfortable speaking but when it came to him, much to my surprise, he said, “We are living proof that God’s love is everywhere.” And, he was quick to point out that he was the only team member to get applause.
Michael gave the message and beautifully tied God’s story to our own. God is able to come exactly where we are now, alongside each one of us, and help us to rewrite our life stories from here on out. We are not left in our difficulties, we are invited to overcome them through His kindness.
We come to be kind and then receive so much kindness in return. It is the cycle of giving put in place by God, Himself: God so loved the world that He gave..” John 3:16
Blessed,
Z-Anne-zibar
Tripping with God: Stories of Faith and Inspiration 