The Lord Will Provide
Letters From Lebanon by Wendy Davies is a comprehensive account of the author’s time in Lebanon during the 1970’s.
We see the faithfulness of God to provide and learn that His timing is always perfect. He is always with us, giving us a peace that passes all understanding despite our circumstances.
The author answered God’s call to go to Lebanon and to be a part of a new school for small children in 1973. In preparation Wendy Davies had “prayed, planned and prepared… [as we] ventured forward in faith.” When God is with our plans, we know they will not fail.
Many children did not speak English, nor were they Christians. There were translators and much love for all the children. “We were seeking to inculcate an excitement in learning… to create a joyful atmosphere… and… a sense of belonging.” The teachers were forward thinking in their attitude to learning as it was tailored to the children’s individual needs.
God’s love was shown to the children and they learnt about Him through stories and song. The children would in turn, tell their parents and grandparents about the love of Jesus.
Lebanon was a volatile area which erupted into civil war. There were times when the author had to return to England for her own safety but she always returned to Lebanon when God paved the way. She felt the pull of Lebanon and the people in her heart whenever she was away.
Whenever there was doubt about what to do, Wendy Davies sought God in prayer. “I had God’s inner peace and assurance about the whole matter.” God doesn’t always calm the storm around us but He gets in our boat and gives us peace.
There were health set backs for Wendy Davies but she knew that God was still in control. “I praise God that He is in control through the traumas.” We need to thank God for everything, at all times, even in our disappointments. “God is always greater than all our discouragements.”
Sometimes in our lives God says ‘no’ or gives us pauses because He has something that is better for us around the corner. As I heard Janet Whitehead say at Lifecentral church, Halesowen (my church) “Sometimes God says no to give us an even greater yes.”
Prayer is vital in our battle against the enemy. “He [God] lays it on people’s hearts to pray. Prayer is a powerful weapon against Satan’s fiery darts.” When God says ‘pray’, do not ask why, just do it. There may be someone in need of our prayers. Answered prayer always builds faith.
God is the same yesterday, today and forever. He is the same God on the mountain top as in the valley. “All mountain top experiences come to an end sometime and God never changes.”
God’s great idea for planet earth was the church. The church is the people and we need each other to help and encourage us in our faith walk. “I needed to be with God’s people.” Sometimes we just know that we need others.
Wendy Davies writes in a very personable style. She engages the reader from the start. I loved the inclusion of photos so that we could put faces to names.
Letters From Lebanon was an inspiring read as we saw the faithfulness of Wendy Davies to God, His to her and God’s faithfulness to His children everywhere.
I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
JULIA WILSON
