Sreedhar's Journey

We just released our oldest and only daughter to a 3 month overseas medical internship experience. She gets the privilege of being in India and Cook Islands. We were concerned about her travels, but praise God she arrived safely in India. This Psalm reminded me that I should not be afraid. Instead, I need to trust God. Psalms 112:7 He will not be afraid of evil tidings; His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. There are so many unknowns. When there is no communication you get anxious. You wonder where she is and whether she is safe. I was reminded that she is in Singapore airport for the overnight layover. She should be safe even if she did not get my messages about the transit hotel. I know you are going to remind me not to be anxious. I suppose she is still our little girl. But, this is no excuse. God is trustworthy and He spares nothing for our well-being. Father, thank you for being there at all times. I know you will look after all our children well. Amen!

I have been talking about having hope. But sometimes life's journey can be tough. It is like going to a beautiful place in a remote location. You have to take a long and winding road. Then a hike through thick foliage and mud. Across streams and make steep climbs. Then you get to enjoy the first hand experience of watching and experiencing God's wonderful creation. The Psalmist felt deserted by God. Psalms 44:9 But You have cast us off and put us to shame, And You do not go out with our armies. Do you feel alone? The journey is not over yet. The best is yet to come. You have some struggles to go through before you see success and beauty. But, rest assured that God is there as well. His heart aches when we struggle but He knows we need to grow through them. Father, help me never lose hope but completely trust your wisdom in all things.

Sometimes in life's journey we find ourselves in a little corner that we cannot seem to come out of. It may be embarrassing or even life threatening. Many times we get there with foolish talk, or perhaps statements of faith like what happened to Ezra and the people of Israel. Ezra 8:21-23, Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him the right way for us and our little ones and all our possessions. For I was ashamed to request of the king an escort of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy on the road, because we had spoken to the king, saying, “The hand of our God is upon all those for good who seek Him, but His power and His wrath are against all those who forsake Him.” So we fasted and entreated our God for this, and He answered our prayer. Yes, God answered their prayer. What a great miracle. They were on a treacherous road to Jerusalem. The convoy was filled with women and children. T...