BiH oozes with the sweetness of irony. Prior to our arrival we had heard about the country’s tragic and recent history. It was hard to understand that what we heard was just that....history. We therefore arrived in BiH expecting a dull, gloomy, poor and war struck nation. To our surprise and shock we were welcomed by the emerald green river flowing through the country with a reflection of the beautiful restoration and healing that was taking place in our new surroundings.
On many occasions opinions were expressed, most of which claimed that there is still a lot of anger and unforgiveness among the precious people of BiH. It is true to some extent but healing takes time and often happens gradually in its rightful stages. It would be sign of great pessimism to only acknowledge the areas that have not yet healed and neglect places where healing has taken place. The fruit of such healing is expressed in qualities such as generosity, hospitality and kindness. The people we met in BiH wholeheartedly enabled us to enjoy the fruit of the healing that has already taken place in their nation and gave us the hope to anticipate the healing that is to come.
The Bible speaks of King David and King Solomon, and others, being given a time of rest after a seemingly unending season of battles. They had a time of rest, a time to record and reflect on how far they had come. I imagine that in this time they would celebrate and take stock of the plunder and honourably attend to the wounds of their battles. This was my impression of the season that this nation is experiencing. We were privileged to partake in this portion for the nourishment and refreshment of our personal journey with Global Challenge 2012.
In the same way, although on a smaller scale, most of us can relate to the kings and the people of BiH. Life can seem like an unending hurdle race of one battle after another. However, God, who is the Author of this life, grants us a time of rest and restoration in which we gain refreshment for the next adventure. This is the revelation we received from partaking in the portion of the people of BiH.
‘Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.’
There is a time for running and there is a time for walking!