Under Darkened Skies

Sometimes it feels like our quiet whispered prayers cannot possibly be heard by God-or that our circumstances are simply too overwhelming to handle. Growing up in a war-torn country like Liberia during the reign of the infamous warlord, Charles Taylor, made this feeling all too familiar. Taylor was indeed evil, as many have heard, but God guided us through that terrible situation, even though it wasn't always easy. There were times when it was necessary to sleep in one home only to move again soon after, taking longer routes to avoid dangerous situations. These experiences were almost enough to make one give up. It's a relief to reflect on not giving up. In the midst of difficulty, thoughts of doubt, fear, and questioning God often arise from the deepest corners of our minds. It's comforting to know that such feelings are shared by many, and we're not alone in our struggles. This brings to mind an incredibly old story from the very beginning of the Bible, in the book of Genesis, about Abraham and Sarah. Abraham received a promise from God- a promise of a son and a nation of people that would come forth from that son.