DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2018
O God, thank you for journeying with us as we travel unknown paths. Help us to trust in you always. Amen.
The Lord says, “Do not fear, for I am with you,
do not be afraid, for I am your God.” (Isaiah 41:10 (NRSV))
As I traveled with a group from my home country, Ukraine, to Russia to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Methodist Church in Eurasia, Ukraine was experiencing a political, economic, and financial crisis — and even war. But as my group traveled the 1,630 kilometers to the festival, we truly felt the prayers of both our Ukrainian brothers and sisters at home and our Russian brothers and sisters who were waiting for us.
At each checkpoint we were fearful that the guards would force us to turn around and go home since we were traveling with young men who were old enough to serve in the military. But each time we were allowed to continue. At the last checkpoint before entering Russia, the border guards did not even look at our papers, which had caused many questions at other checkpoints. The guards just silently stamped our passports and let us through!
During our journey to the festival, I saw the hand of God leading us. We were fearful, but the difficulties we faced were no match for the power of God. Our trust in God’s faithful assistance helped us to overcome and to stand victorious.
How happy we were to arrive at the festival and to feel the loving arms of our brothers and sisters in Russia! We were a part of God’s family of believers, whom no borders and no political, economic, or financial problems could divide.
TODAY'S PRAYER:
As I traveled with a group from my home country, Ukraine, to Russia to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Methodist Church in Eurasia, Ukraine was experiencing a political, economic, and financial crisis — and even war. But as my group traveled the 1,630 kilometers to the festival, we truly felt the prayers of both our Ukrainian brothers and sisters at home and our Russian brothers and sisters who were waiting for us.
At each checkpoint we were fearful that the guards would force us to turn around and go home since we were traveling with young men who were old enough to serve in the military. But each time we were allowed to continue. At the last checkpoint before entering Russia, the border guards did not even look at our papers, which had caused many questions at other checkpoints. The guards just silently stamped our passports and let us through!
During our journey to the festival, I saw the hand of God leading us. We were fearful, but the difficulties we faced were no match for the power of God. Our trust in God’s faithful assistance helped us to overcome and to stand victorious.
How happy we were to arrive at the festival and to feel the loving arms of our brothers and sisters in Russia! We were a part of God’s family of believers, whom no borders and no political, economic, or financial problems could divide.
TODAY'S PRAYER:
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2 Corinthians 7:2 Make room for us in your hearts — we haven’t wronged anyone, we haven’t corrupted anyone, we haven’t exploited anyone. 3 I am not saying this to put blame on you, for I have already said that you have a place in our hearts, whether we live together or die together; 4 that I am very confident in you; that I am very proud of you; that you have filled me with encouragement; and that in spite of all our troubles, I am overflowing with joy.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
The more I trust God, the less I need to fear.
PRAYER FOCUS:
The people of Ukraine
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5 For indeed when we came into Macedonia, our bodies had no rest. On the contrary, we faced all kinds of troubles — altercations without, apprehensions within. 6 But God, who encourages the downhearted, encouraged us with the arrival of Titus! 7 However, it was not only his arrival which encouraged us, but also how encouraged he was about you, as he told us how you long to see me, how distressed you are over my situation, how zealous you are in my defense — this news made me even happier!
---The more I trust God, the less I need to fear.
The people of Ukraine
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Header Photo Credit: "Harvested Land," Beth Shumate. August 15, 2014. (link)
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