My reading this morning was in Deuteronomy 2:7 in the NKJV. Moses was speaking to God’s chosen people, the Israelites, and he said “For the Lord your God has blessed you in all the work of your hand. He knows your trudging through this great wilderness. These forty years the Lord your God has been with you; you have lacked nothing”.
I quit my job on Dec. 12th to serve refugees coming to Houston Texas. My plan was to live on savings, a small government retirement check and a small early SS retirement check. I have to admit it was fearful being out of the boat on the water, especially in a bad economy. But God has been faithful to meet my every need as He moved on hearts to give either monthly support for me or money for refugee needs. I did not talk about my needs, but God knew my “trudging” through doubt and insecurity. He knew my “wilderness experience” as many thought I must be crazy to give up a job in such a bad economy. But, His timing is never our timing and His ways are not our ways.
God always blesses obedience and the ministry has been so blessed. Volunteers have stepped forward to assist with clothing, food, gift cards, playing with the children, hauling furniture to them, teaching ESL, etc. They have all “heard the call” as well and have been a blessing. The kindness shown to these new arrivals to America has opened a door for the Gospel, has helped in their cultural adjustment, has helped in times of depression or despair, and it has been a witness of Jesus’ love for all people of all religious backgrounds.
Let me encourage you today that if you feel like you are trudging through a wilderness and that God has abandoned you, He has not. You see His name is Immanuel (God with you). He hears your prayers, He can bless the work of your hand, and He knows your circumstances (trudging). He cares deeply about you, He loves you, and He has been with you and will be with you.
Psalm 23 is one of my favorites:
vs. 1 “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall NOT want” Is He your Shepherd? Are you trusting Him to hear and answer your prayers? Is there anything blocking your prayer, any unforgiveness or secret sin?
vs. 4″Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. For you are with me. Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me” The “valley of the shadow of death” means the darkest valley. If you are in the darkest valley of your life right now, He is with you. He will not abandon you. A Good Shepherd never abandons the sheep. Will you trust Him, trust His love for you?
If you are reading this, and do not have a personal relationship with the Good Shepherd, I would love to discuss that with you.
Blessings
Margie
