Safe in Him

As I have been reflecting over this last trip to Africa (Feb. – April), I am overwhelmed at Christ’s faithfulness as my best friend, my comfort, my protector, the One who sustains me in every area of my life.

I am stretched tremendously every time I am overseas; this time I was especially challenged in the area of physical safety. There was constantly some kind of threat…fighting and murders in the township next door, flooding and robbers at our base and across the street, rumors of war in nearby Zimbabwe, and a near collision in Uganda by our intoxicated driver.

To be honest, when I first got home, I felt overwhelmed, confused, and angry about why God had allowed me to be exposed to these dangerous, stressful situations. A few months (and lots of journaling and prayer) later, I see how these experiences have grown me in knowing Jesus as my Refuge and my Protector. I am much more aware now on an everyday basis of the Lord’s hand of protection on my life, and believe in a deeper way than ever before that absolutely nothing bad will happen to me except that which has been sifted through His loving hand. Knowing this, I can continue to go forward with courage and confidence in Christ wherever He calls me, whether here or abroad.

Two amazing passages seem to perfectly sum up this most recent trip to Africa. The first is Isaiah 43:

“But now, this is what the Lord says – he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…’”

The second passage is Psalm 91:
“You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, then thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you…If you make the Most High your dwelling – even the Lord who is my refuge – then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.”

I praise you, Lord, for your amazing protection and provision in my life. You are worthy of all of my praise. Thank you for your incredible grace and blessings that I have done nothing to earn. You are my daddy, my love, my best friend, my everything. I would be lost without you.