Sometimes when I look at my kids, I see the adventures that they may have. I'd like to think that they will all be full of fun and joy, but the truth is... life is rough and the journey has "valley's of the shadow of death" (ps 23) strewn along the way. I don't know all the places my children will go? I don't know even know all the places I will go. Consider the daily Moravian texts... Psalm 106:1-5; Ruth 1; Luke 23:1-12
For me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, to tell of all your works. Psalm 73:28
Those who serve well gain a good standing for themselves and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 3:13
Naomi (pleasant in Hebrew) didn't know that she would have to go the the country of Moab. She didn't know that her husband and two sons would die there, even though her sons names meant "sickly" and "weak." Okay, maybe she knew something was up. Noami had made a friend in Ruth (means friendship), a steady companion. In the same way Jesus went to the dark places in Herod's palace, and ultimately to the cross that we might be adopted into his family.
Jesus is our steady companion. No matter where we choose to go, or are taken by other forces, we are not alone. Today, as I consider the path of my children I need not worry for God has promised to be with them in sunlit fields or dark valleys. My job is simple, show them by the way I speak, live, pray, and love that Jesus is real and alive in our lives. May you have the courage to trust in God no matter what your circumstances are in this season.
Daily Prayer:
Let us be strong and courageous as we witness to your truth and grace, O God. No matter where we find ourselves, may we always abide in you. Jesus, as you went boldly to the cross, send us with confidence into the everyday places of life. Grow our faith as we serve and share.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen.
