Help in the heat

This air conditioner deal has really been quite a trial to me. It is not the most exciting thing to toss and turn and sweat the whole night through. I've forgotten what it was like when we lived here 3 years without AC. I must say it has been a wonderful blessing to have it as it helps us "cope" with the cultural and ministry stresses. It makes those stresses seem bigger when we are half-dazed due to our nightly encounter with the heat battle.

Last week one day I was praying and pouring out my heart to the Lord telling Him how frustrated I was about the situation. These verses came to my mind: Philippians 3:7-8 "But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8) Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ."

I had to face the question: Am I willing to count even that which seems gain for me (a good night's sleep in a comfortable temperature) as DUNG? After some time in prayer, I finally came to the resolution, "Yes, I would count it as 'dung' for Christ's sake!" I wasn't really looking forward to the nighttime sleeping battle, but I would rest in the Lord to help me whether I slept or not!

The Lord has been gracious to us the last few days and relieved us with some thunder showers. It dropped the temperature by 10-15 degrees! Instead of 88 when we went to bed, it was 78 last night. How good God is to His children! He does reward His children, but, I believe, after we're willing to suffer all. I'm sure many hot nights are yet to come, but I will endure as a good soldier of Jesus Christ with God's help.