We found this sweet sign drawn by hand above the door of the home of one of our Haitian friends in Williamson. The meaning of the sign truly reflects how the Haitian believers view our amazing God who is above all… a view that was so beautifully articulated by a sweet Haitian mother.
When translated into English, Dieu Tout Pui Ssant means “Almighty God.” This comes from Genesis 17:1 when God first used this name to describe Himself.
“When Abram was ninety-nine years old the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am El Shaddai…”
“El Shaddai” is commonly translated as “Almighty God” and is often connected with God as being high or powerful, which brings to mind the picture of a breathtaking mountain.
This idea of God as “almighty” and “above all” was beautifully articulated by a mother in Haiti. One afternoon we were talking about raising children to follow the Lord and I asked her how she taught her children about God. She smiled and picked up the small doll that her daughter was holding.
She said, “Look at this doll. It has no life and no breath; it was created by man. It’s just a doll. Now look at my daughter. She was created by God and she has breath and life. How much greater is God than we and worthy to be praised!”
Such simple but powerful words. Our Almighty God has the power to create life. In Genesis 2 it says that He breathed life into us. God is powerful enough to create and sustain life. Almighty God is a wonderful name for us to remember because it reminds us of the fact that our God is powerful enough to be our creator, but also our refuge and our fortress.
My prayer is that each person who sees this small sign on the home in Williamson, Haiti will be reminded of our Almighty God who is worthy to be praised!
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:1