“He gives strength to the weary, And to him who lacks might He increases power.” Isaiah 40:29 NASB

At an early age I yielded all of my ‘yes’ to Jesus. All of my days, my places, my tomorrows I placed firmly into His faithful hands and promised not to take it all back. It has been such a glorious ride. SO many places and people who have left indelible marks upon my heart. So many songs in so many languages. So many places to sleep, from tents pitched in open fields in Nepal, to straw thatched huts on stilts in the mountains of Ifugao Province. Soft feather beds in country houses, and hard benches in crowded night trains in India, sleeping among beloved fellow travelers. Later, having my own households to run and to host beloved travelers.

So many people to love and cherish, to hold forever dear in my heart whether I see them again in this lifetime, or the next. My life, like one of my favorite songs, “has been a tapestry of rich and royal hue.” And all of it, every little piece of it, had nothing at all to do with my own capabilities or qualifications. And all of it, every little piece of it, had completely to do with His power dwelling in my innermost being.

There is something amazing I learned when I surrendered my life and times to the Lord. He took me very seriously, and was a good and faithful steward over all I had given Him. He taught me not to trust in my own understanding but instead to trust Him with all my heart. He empowered me to the life He had called me to.

Mainly my identity was as a worship leader, and for years I was blessed to lead many congregations and meetings in the Pittsburgh area. When I boarded my plane to India and Nepal, I assumed that I was dying to that and would have to find another purpose. Little did I realize, that I would be blessed with the gift of ‘other tongues’ so much so that within months I was leading large congregations in languages I had never studied. Within the first decade passing of my ministry, I could lead congregations in 9 separate languages. BY. HIS. GRACE.

And now, as I near 50 years of a ministry life, I am reminded again and again. That He Who dwells within me is the same yesterday today and forever. In my weakness His strength is perfect. I am powerful and capable in Him. I am empowered, indwelled by the Holy Spirit, Who has no limits, no boundaries. And in this I say once again to my dear Jesus: “Yes.”

~ Debbie Ecker