Many times I have been asked about what I have taken away
from my time spent overseas. Although there are many answers to that question,
one of the most important things is a new perspective. The way I think has
changed in relation to my perception of God, people, need, love, and wealth as
I have come to experience more of the world.

A better question is what exactly that new perspective is?
How do I explain to others that my eyes don't see situations in the same light
that they used to? How can I teach someone to have "new eyes"?

Although I am not sure that perspective can be taught, I do
know that it has had a huge impact on me. As a Daughter of God, there is no
circumstance that I face alone. God is present in every situation. That is
something that we know, but what is challenging is being able to articulate
where God is. To have the eyes that are able to see God's presence.

Where is God in poverty? Where is God in hunger and pain?
Where is God in the dark and lonely places?

These may all be things that God did not create, cause, or
intend for His people, but when the things of this earth attack you - God is
there.

In one of the slums that we have been working in there is a
strip of government land along the beach that had been illegally settled by
many impoverished people including 4,000 active sex workers. These people live
in shacks without water, electricity, or sewage. For five years now, the
government had been warning these people that they were going to come and
bulldoze the area. That same warning has been given on numerous more occasions
but the people didn't leave because most of them literally had no other place
to go.

Yesterday, the government followed through with their
promise and armed service men walked the streets as bulldozers destroyed these
people's homes.

Regardless of the politics of the situation, many people had
to watch as everything that they owned, as little as it may have been, was
demolished.

It would be easy, but also foolish, to think that God has
forgotten these people. So often, we think God is accountable to us and that He
is obligated to make sure our lives comfortable. In reality, God isn't as
concerned with our comfort as He is with the things in our hearts.

What I can see now, is that every situation of brokenness is
simply another opportunity for God to be glorified. He never stops being good.

When we are lost and confused, it is God who meets us. When
we are weak and tattered, it is God who carries us. He is in the redemption,
restoration, and renewal. And even before that, He is in the cracks holding the
pieces together. He is in the smiles that breech sullen faces.

He is: goodness; faithfulness; gentleness; might; holiness;
majesty; truth; love; kindness; peace.

He doesn't change.

If you need new eyes to see God where He is, then ask Him
for them. Although He reveals things in His timing, He wants you to know Him.
He wants to speak with you even more than you want to hear from Him.

Press in to His presence. Praise and worship Him with all you have and
in all situations. Allow your eyes to be renewed.