There's a Chichewa song that the African Bible College students sing entitled "Ulemerelo wanu/Angathe" which means "Your Glory/He is able."
I loved it the first time I heard it. . . The harmonies are gorgeous (and the Africans do amazing things with them!), but even more than that, I love the words. They are so simple, yet so big and so comforting to me. I didn't know until recently how the song was translated into English, except for the one part that is actually sung in English at the end: "Our God can do any thing, any time, any way; God can do anything, He never fails."
I think the times it brings me the most comfort are when I've relied on my own strength and then, not surprisingly, feel like everything is impossible. Sometimes at night when my head is on the pillow these words will serve as a lullaby and will sing me to sleep, "My God can do any thing, any time, any way. . . my God can do anything. . . He never fails."
I've known them since I was a child. But, like a child, I need to remind myself more often than I even think to.
God can do anything.
My God can make me see my sin and hate it even more. My God can forgive. My God can keep changing my heart so it becomes more and more like His. My God can keep softening it, molding it, transforming its desires. My God can turn my eyes from worthless things and put them back on Jesus, where they need to be.
My God can change the hearts of my kids and grow them in Him.
My God can save a whole village. My God can save all of Africa. My God can save anybody He chooses.
My God can use a broken vessel to shine His glory in a broken world.
My God can.
I've been thinking about this a lot lately, especially as I think about getting ready to return to the States for the summer. How much He has taught me about my own heart! And how much of a burden He has placed upon my heart for these kids at the school, many of whom I may not ever see again as they will be moving to other countries and attending different international schools. He's placed a burden on my heart for the people in the villages. He's placed a burden on my heart for the world. Sometimes, especially working with children, the fruit just isn't very evident. But God promises me that in the Lord, my labor is never in vain. (I Corinthians 15:58). He can do anything, and His glory will be made known.
Last night my housemate and I had six of the cleaners from the school over for dinner. We were all sitting around the table when a couple of the women started singing praise songs. . . and then they all started singing. . . and one got off her chair and started dancing! And then before I knew it, we were all off our chairs singing and dancing (as much as I could, anyway)! She asked if we knew any Chichewa songs.
"Do you know 'Ulemerelo'?", I ask.
And they sing it beautifully.
I didn't want them to stop. Ever.
I have no reason to ever stop reminding myself that God CAN do anything.
Mulungu angathe. (God is able)
God is able. He is able. He is able. He will not fail.
Mulungu angathe, angathe, angathe; Mulungu angathe salephera.
God can do any thing, any time, any way; God can do anything, He never fails.
