God's Power is Greater

​This past October delegates from across the country of Mozambique gathered at our Wesleyan Bible College for a conference.  Pastor Daniel Chavango and his wife dedicated their baby, Elena, and shared the following testimony of God’s grace and power.
 
Eleven years ago Daniel and Teresa were newly married an attending our Bible College.  Teresa gave
birth in September; but the little girl did not survive.  The hospital asked whether they wanted the child.  They said, “yes” and mission Director Orai Lehman, went home and made a tiny coffin.  Some women from the local area came to them and said.  “The baby must be buried only by the women.  And you must not give her a name.  You must not bury her too deep.  If you do not follow these customs, Teresa will be cursed and be sterile”.
 
“No, we do not believe in superstitions.”  The Mozambican National Superintendent Daniel Cossa answered.  “This baby is a creation of God and will have a name, have a funeral, and the church will be present.”  There was some murmuring, but he and the Chavango’s held fast.
 
Fast forward to the present.  Daniel and Teresa stood in front of the Wesleyan delegates from across Mozambique as missionary Jim Pickett dedicated little Elena.  Daniel shared this testimony. “This is how God has shown his power in our lives:  Although our first baby girl died in September, we now have three children – two boys and a girl – all born in September.  In addition Elena was born on the same day as our first daughter and we are now dedicating Elena on the same day our first daughter was buried.  Some women claimed we could be cursed, but we trusted in God and He has blessed us.”
 
I’m reminded of John’s words on encouragement to the church facing the anti-Christian forces of this present world. (I John 4:4)  You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.
 
We need not fear the opposition of our enemy Satan.  We don’t have to be bound by the superstitions and fears of this evil world.  We should not allow ourselves to be deterred by the negative, faithless beliefs of anti-Christian critics.  Our God is greater.  No matter what is going on in our life this morning, we can trust our Lord.
 
Have a great week!
 
Pastor Barry