“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me …” Psalm 23: 4 (NIV)
During the Rwandan genocide in 1994, Immaculée Ilibagiza spent 91 days in a bathroom the size of a closet with seven other women and girls. It is hard to imagine what that would have been like. Not only was the space cramped, they were in life-threatening danger. Soldiers came looking for her, even shouting her name, wanting to add Immaculée to their list of killings.
God protected her and she emerged with a deep faith, believing she had a story to share with the world. In her book, Left to Tell, she shares how God met her in that cramped space and how she was challenged to choose the path of forgiveness. I am still amazed at the strength of spirit this woman showed. While her circumstances were horrendous, for 91 days, she spent her every waking hour in prayer and focus on God. She also chose to forgive the people who killed her parents, most of her family and who tried to wipe out her tribe.
Her story gives me hope, however, as she confirms that our spirit can soar way beyond our immediate circumstances and our deepest pain.
You can comment on this devotional online at:
http://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/2011/12/02/im_soaring-spirit/
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Short Thoughts for Cell Phones – God-daily.com
