We are getting more excited by the day about our pilgrimage to Israel (and Egypt.)
Each of these devotionals will take you to a site that we'll be visiting on this tour. Enjoy these tasty morsels beforehand. Open your "tour Bible." With a pen and highlighter, I suggesttthat as you read, make notes in the Bible you're bringing with you. Your Bible will be your guidebook for the tour.
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"Day 1-2" - Psalm 17:1-5 - A prayer of David.
1 Hear me, LORD, my plea is just; listen to my cry. Hear my prayer— it does not rise from deceitful lips.
2 Let my vindication come from you; may your eyes see what is right.
3 Though you probe my heart, though you examine me at night and test me, you will find that I have
planned no evil; my mouth has not transgressed.
4 Though people tried to bribe me, I have kept myself from the ways of the violent rough what your lips
have commanded. 5 My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not stumbled.
We're on our way! David says, ‘My steps have held closely to Your paths." The Hebrew word for paths literally means ‘wheel-tracks’. David is absolutely determined to stay on God’s tracks.
The US standard railroad gauge (distance between the rails) is 4 feet, 8.5 inches. That’s a really odd number. Why was that gauge used? That’s the way they built them in England, and English expatriates built the US Railroads.
But, why did the English make them that distance? The first rail lines were built by the same people who built the pre-railroad trams, and that’s the gauge they used. SO, why did “they” use that gauge? Because the people who built the tramways used the same jigs and tools that they used for building wagons, which used that wheel spacing.
Okay! Why did the wagons have that odd wheel spacing? Well, if they tried to use any other spacing, the wagon wheels would break on some of the old, long distance roads in England, because that’s the spacing of the wheel ruts.
So who built those old rutted roads? Imperial Rome built the first long distance roads in Europe (and England) for their military legions. Those roads have been used ever since.
And the ruts in the roads? What formed them? Roman war chariots. Since the chariots were made for Imperial Rome, they were uniform in wheel spacing. Everyone else had to match them for fear of destroying their wagon wheels.
The US standard railroad gauge of 4 feet, 8.5 inches is from the original specifications for an Imperial Roman war chariot.
Imperial Roman war chariots were made just wide enough to accommodate the back ends of two war horses side-by-side.
Now think of this - when you see a Space Shuttle sitting on its launch pad, there are two big rockets attached to the sides of the main fuel tank. These are solid rocket boosters, or SRBs. SRBs are made by Thiokol at their factory in Utah. The engineers would have preferred to make them a bit fatter, but the SRBs had to be shipped by train from the factory to the launch site.
The railroad line from the factory happens to run through tunnels in the mountains. The SRBs had to fit through the tunnels which are slightly wider than the railroad track, and the railroad track, as you now know, is about as wide as two horses’ behinds.
So, a major design feature of the world’s most advanced transportation system was determined over two thousand years ago by the width of a horse’s behind!
Psalm 17:3-5
3 Though you probe my heart, though you examine me at night and test me,
you will find that I have planned no evil; my mouth has not transgressed.
4 Though people tried to bribe me, I have kept myself from the ways of the violent
through what your lips have commanded.
5 My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not stumbled.
In order to stay on God’s tracks, you need to watch:
1. Your heart (what you think about)
‘Though you probe my heart, though you examine me at night and test me, you will find that I have planned no evil’ (v.3a).
2. Your mouth (your words, what you say)
‘I have resolved that my mouth will not sin’ (v.3c).
3. Your feet (the places that you go)
“My feet have not slipped’ (v.5b).
In the preceding Psalm, #16, v.11 says;
”You have made known to me the path of life, you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
Throughout our trip to Israel, we will be following in the footsteps of Jesus. He and His men walked the worn paths of Galilee. He blazed His own trail to secluded places where He could fellowship with the Father in prayer.
He walked the sands of Judea, the streets of Jerusalem, the steps of the temple, the green meadows of Galilee, and he walked ON the water of the Sea of Galilee.
Another psalm speaks of the right paths – Psalm 23
"He leads me in the paths of righteousness" (right conduct, right living)
"For His name's sake." He restores and leads us into right behavio because it brings honor to His name. As a parent
experiences dishonor when a child refuses to be obedient, God is dishonored by our tantrums. When we find our way back to
HIm, it restores honor to us and Him.
Lord, help me to stay on your paths. May my feet not slip. Guard my thoughts day and night. Help me not to sin against you through anything I say or do. I learned this chorus as a teenager at church camp in Pennsylvania. I've loved it ever since.
I have decided to follow Jesus; I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus; No turning back, no turning back.
Tho' none go with me, I still will follow, Tho' none go with me I still will follow,
Tho' none go with me, I still will follow; No turning back, no turning back
The cross before me, the world behind me, the cross before me the world behind me.
The cross before me, the world behind me. No turning back, no turning back.
Enjoy this video about the origin of that song, and the rendition by Elevation Worship that follows... It's a great time to pray that song in a renewing of our determination to follow Him - wherever He leads us, including His footsteps in Israel!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnGMNvRBJ4w
"Day 3" - Hebrews 12:1
After a relaxing night in our hotel beside the Mediterranean, our first full touring day brings us to Caesarea Maritima. We will sit in the beautiful theater and walk through the fascinating castle. Our Israel guide Shai Nahon (at right), will explain the significance of the "Pilate Stone" and how it verifies the Bible account . He will explain Herod's "wow" harbor and his magnificent city, Caesarea-by-the sea. We'll also stroll along the coastline, past the hippodrome, scene of extreme sporting events. The Apostle Paul was familiar with athletics, including the Greek games, and the Marathon that originated in Greece. The inspired Hebrew writer in Hebrews 12:1 writes these words of encouragement...
"Let us run the race that is before us and never give up!"
The word "race" is the Greek "agon" from which we get "agony" and "agonize." Marathoners, tri-athletes and 10K runners understand that! Max Lucado says "The Christian’s race is not a jog but rather a
demanding and grueling, sometimes agonizing race. It takes a massive effort to finish strong. Likely
you’ve noticed that many runners don’t. Surely you’ve observed there are dropouts alongside the trail.
They used to be running. At one time they kept the pace. But then weariness just sets in. They just
didn’t think the run would be this tough…."
Years ago, I ran several miles a day and entered a few 10K races. Among my first was at a Covered Bridge Festival in Roann, Indiana. The day was beautiful, the course was interesting, and I had not trained sufficiently. About midpoint of the 6.2 mile run, I started to think "I'm not going to finish." It wasn't much later that I heard a voice. A local realtor, a recovering cardiac patient that through running was in the best shape of his life, came alongside, saw my distress and said, "You can make it Pastor, you can do it. Keep running." I didn't really know him personally, and didn't see him anymore that day, but his word of encouragement spurred me on. I did it! I finished.
Jesus' final word on the cross, "tetelestai," is often translated "it is finished." More than a sigh of relief, it is a triumphant victory shout - Jesus' personal testimony. We know that a fuller translation would be "paid in full!" Quite different from when I've run in my early 10K races, Jesus' strongest step was His last step - in other words, His best work was his final work! Runners are encouraged in the final yards of the course to "kick it" across the line. Jesus' three major temptations at the beginning of His ministry, and his intensity of prayer at the end of it in Gethsemane reveals that it would have been so easy for Him to just to lie down by the path, rather than follow HIS path all the way to "skull hill."
Instead, He "kicked it" to the finish-line of Calvary and won the victory for us all!
Jesus could have dropped out, but He didn't Praise God!
The Apostle Paul describes his life and ministry in terms we'd like to have as an accurate obituary of ours.
"I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is a crown laid up for me, and not for
me only, but for all those who have loved His appearing!"
Paul could have dropped out, but he didn't. Praise God!
Keep the pace my friend, be encouraged today! The race belongs not to the swift starter, not to the speedy sprinter, but to those endure - who finish well! So let me "start to meddling." If you aren't walking at least a mile a day, and preferably two miles, start today. You'll be glad then that you did it now. While you're walking or running, in the physical training for the tour, and the spiritual and moral race of life,
"Fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith!"
With His help, we can all finish well!
"Day 4"
Having flown across the Atlantic (from the 'New World' back to the 'Old'), standing beside the fabled Mediterranean Sea, experiencing our boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, and wading into the calm waters of the Jordan River, it's "quite a ride" so far! Throughout the world, since ancient times, bodies of water have determined the location of major cities, created jobs and provided transportation. They drive turbines to illuminate cities, generate power for daily life and business and provide life-giving water that we need every day! But some bodies of water are special - not just for what we draw from them but for what we remember about them!
As we awake in our hotel beside the Sea of Galilee, we remember that Jesus walked by the sea, and on it as well! (There is even a new "attraction" that some local entrepreneur has built - a platform just below the water surface, so people can experience "walking on water"- for a fee of course.) Don't let that take away from your experiences there! What we are remembering is "the real deal." Remember that Jesus called His earliest disciples by Galilee, and He headquartered most of his ministry there on it's north shore in Capernaum. His Sermon on the Mount was overlooking the water. His warning that anyone harming a little child should have a large millstone hanged around his neck and be cast into the sea, was spoken near the waters edge! His obedience in baptism at the hands of John, in the river Jordan, speaks volumes in terms of example and it affirms John's message of our cleansing and hope in the waters of obedience.
Even the stark Dead Sea carries its own lesson. The same water flowing into the Sea of Galilee, giving it life, flows 75 miles south, down into the Dead Sea in which nothing living dwells!
The outlet from the Sea of Galilee is the lower Jordan River, near Yardenit, a popular place for baptism. But for the Dead Sea, the only outlet is evaporation - no other exit. While the Dead Sea is extremely rich in minerals, it supports no plant or animal life - its, uh, "Dead"! The spiritual application is clear. Only as we allow ourselves to be life-giving conduits of God's blessing, only as we pass on what we receive from Him, do we fit the analogy of the beautiful, generous, giving Sea of Galilee. But when we hoard, grasp and protect; we fit the fate of the Dead Sea and we merit the same description.
Powerful lessons from the water's edge. Be sure to pack your swimsuit and water shoes for the Dead Sea. And remember that Jesus is the living water for you! Come on in - the water's fine!
"Day 5"
"King of the Mountain" Remember that game? I sure do - pushing my friends back down off the mound of dirt, the pile of snow, the front porch - and being pushed myself. Whoever managed to stay on the "mountain" while everyone else tried to get him off, was "king of the mountain!"
It was one against the world. As a boy, the victory was short-lived, but somehow "important."
When Jesus took his men to northern Galilee, the mountain region of Caesarea Philippi was a shrine to those who worshiped the Greek fertility god, "Pan" (hence the modern name of the region, "Panais.") Not only was Pan worshiped in this place, but other gods were too. And in 20 BC, Herod built a marble temple there for the worship of the Emperor, Augustus Caesar. It seems in that culture that any god would do, and there were certainly plenty to choose from.
In our day, pluralism is always applauded, and diversity is almost deified! But pluralism is not new. In this pluralistic shrine of Caesarea Philippi, where "religion" abounded, it was a good place for Jesus to test his men. He asked them simple questions; "Are there many gods or just one?" "Who do people say the son of man is?" "Who do you say that I am?" Notice that the rapid reply of Simon Peter is both clear and exclusive. He makes it clear that there is room for no other. "You are the Christ, THE Son of the Living God." (Matthew 16:16) And it's not just a report of public opinion, not simply adding Jesus to the catalog of 'acceptable' deities. Peter declares, "Jesus, you are the one-and-only. You are the Son of God! There is absolutely no other."
While many even today object that this is simply "too exclusive...there must be other ways...this isn't the only truth...one path is as good as another", Jesus still stakes his claim; "I am the way the truth and the life. No-one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). Panais in 'century one' was a time and place that wanted to make all religions equal. In striking contrast, Jesus made claims that are exclusive. By His claims to be "God", Jesus pushes aside all other potential candidates. In our day when all religions are considered "equal", Jesus and His claims remain the same. He is the true "King of the Mountain" and the valleys of your life. Trust Him and He will direct "your paths!" In Him the victory isn't momentary & short-lived, it's forever!
While at Caesarea Philippi, we'll learn several reasons why Jesus might have taken his men to this cool, beautiful garden spot - probably more than once. One clue is that in this area, the north-eastern source of the Jordan bursts through the rocky soil from Mt. Hermon and flows into the upper Jordan valley. Today, Caesarea Philippi still echoes Peter's inspired reply - his good confession of the great and only Savior! In the northern Galilee region we'll see many wonderful things, but this cool, quiet spot is my favorite - it just may become yours too.
"Day 6"
"O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie. Beneath thy deep and dreamless sleep, the silent stars go by. Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light. The hopes and fears of all the years, are met in thee tonight!" They aren't as quiet as they once were - these streets of Bethlehem. While the population and commerce has risen and fallen in the village over the last few decades, it has been falling once again in recent years.
Whether the population grows or declines, whether there is much commerce or minimal traffic, the message of Bethlehem remains as precious for us now as it was for believers in the first century - "a Savior is born, who is Christ the Lord." Unnamed shepherds hurrying into town "to see this wondrous thing which has come to pass." And we will journey to Bethlehem too. We'll see the same rocky shepherds fields, we may see a shepherd and perhaps a few sheep, We'll visit a possible place where lowly outcasts of society were given the first birth announcement on that spectacular night.
Yes, in March, we'll sing Christmas carols in the little village. We'll remember that "Beit-Lechem" means "house of bread" and the one-and-only Son of God is the living Bread for us! As we enter the ancient "Church of the Nativity" we'll bow in reverence to get through the door. As we stand in line to descend to the cave, revered since the fourth century as the birthplace of Jesus, we'll remember a lonely couple who journeyed far and long to get there, and whose journey was just beginning. The ebb and flow of population for the Roman census, made that night anything but "silent." The cry of a newborn broke the relative stillness of the stable, and as Joseph and Mary held their precious Jesus, they embraced not only their Son, but their Creator and their Savior as well. Indeed, the hopes and fears of all the years came together that night as God came into the world. "The word became flesh and dwelt among us. We beheld His glory, glory as of the only-begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth!"
For the rest of our lives, after visiting Bethlehem, our celebration of the Savior's incarnation will be enhanced by sights and scents of "where it all happened." Unbelievers try to rename the holiday as "Gifts-mas", but the timeless truths of the CHRISTmas message will never change! And, of course the greatest Gift was the centerpiece of it all, wrapped in swaddling cloths, and lying in a manger. In coming years, the scenes, streets and celebrations of His birth will come to life in 3-D, high-def color, as Christmas memories transport us back to the village.
"Come let us go now, even to Bethlehem and see..."
"Day 6 - Take Two"
One December, I drove through the Tennessee/North Carolina mountains in the early morning and hit a real blizzard at the state line on I-26. Not surprising, given the season and the altitude. Asheville and the Smoky Mountains were a spectacular winter wonderland that day!
Someone asked if It snows in Israel? They had an unusual snowstorm in December 2013, but outside of the ski areas of Mount Hermon, it only snows every few years in Israel, and usually only in higher elevations (like the Golan, and Jerusalem). I've seen snow in Jerusalem on two different trips. On one trip our bus was delayed getting to the airport while we waited for a snow-caused accident to clear. We were a busload of passengers all heading for the same flight. The airline actually held the plane for us! "Whew!"
Snow is an interesting theme in the Scriptures. Song-writer-king David rejoiced that his sins were washed whiter than snow (Psalm 51:7). Another song-writer, James Nicholson, picked up on that inspired line and then his lines "Whiter than Snow" were first published in 1772...
Lord Jesus, I long to be perfectly whole; I want Thee forever to live in my soul;
Break down every idol, cast out every foe - now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
The wording seems a bit dated, and many younger believers have never even heard that song. So, they've never had the opportunity to frame a prayer of surrender in these timeless words...
Lord Jesus look down from Thy throne in the skies, & help me to make a complete sacrifice;
I give up myself, and whatever I know - Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Whiter than snow, yes whiter than snow. Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.
In Jerusalem, seeing snow or a Sahara sandstorm for that matter (there's another story for another time), is definitely exciting! While of course we don't expect snow in Jerusalem, I can promise you that "day 6" will be one of the most exciting days of your life. Standing on the Mount of Olives, walking down the Palm Sunday road, following the journey of our Lord on the Via Dolorosa to Calvary, standing on David's/Solomon's Temple mount area, sitting on the steps where Jesus taught and Peter preached (Acts 2) about the sacrifice that washes our sins "whiter than snow" - definitely an energizing and exciting day! The privilege of walking where Jesus walked enriches one's Bible study and teaching that brings forth the important harvest. That's what it's all about. God revealed that to Prophet Isaiah (55:10-11)...
10 As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without
watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and
bread for the eater, 11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me
empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow...
"Day 7" [Luke 19]
"Is he here yet? Is he here yet?" That eager question was on the lips of every child of Israel.
For centuries, the words of the prophets had been their crimson thread of hope and redemption. The Messiah WOULD come, the Redeemer WOULD deliver them. And now this Rabbi from backwoods Nazareth seemed to be "the One". On a rising tide of popularity, people clamored to see Him even as He entered Jericho. As we remember, a leading wealthy citizen of Jericho wanted to see him. And as we have heard, Zacchaeus was short - "a wee little man was he."
So, desperate situations call for desperate measures...he climbed up in a sycamore tree...and as the Savior passed that way, He looked up in the tree and He said, Zacchaeus, you come down, for I'm going to YOUR house today! Yes, it was unbelievable - this rich guy climbing up a tree like a schoolboy, and more unbelievable, Jesus speaking to the hated man. Most unbelievable, Jesus extending the honor of visiting and dining in Zacchaeus' house, with all of Zacchaeus' 'friends' (these are his despised collaborators in the exorbitant taxing scheme of Rome.)
OK, now allow me to introduce you to another "wee little man" - our youngest grandchild. I held him in my arms for the first time at the airport where our daughter, son-in-law, and our latest grandchild - yes, we are grandparents of six of the finest kids on the planet, including this one, were arriving from Taiwan. Then an infant, now, at just four years old, "a wee little man is he" - still. For weeks before his arrival, his new family, and his church family had been asking "Is he here yet, is he here yet?" The anticipation, delays, highs and lows of the international adoption process, the prayers, hopes and dreams we've had were very real. But they don't compare with the highs and lows, prayers, hopes and dreams of the people of Israel - anticipating Messiah!
We rejoice that Cade is here, in his Ohio home with mom, dad and big sis - also born in Taiwan. My hope is that each of our grandchildren, including this wee little man, will so grow in love with the Savior that they will risk any embarrassment, take any measures and do whatever it takes to have the Lord Jesus be the centerpiece of their lives - to be transformed by His amazing grace!"
The question still echoes, "IS HE HERE YET?" YES HE IS! Welcome Cade, and welcome Jesus!!
Day 8
Looking from the plaza is a splendid view of the ancient City of David, surrounding hills, and the valley below, it's the valley of Gehenna! On a very clear day you can see the distant mountains
of Moab, in neighboring country of Jordan. One of the first 'tourists' to visit the Holy Land was a
man whose detailed diary of that challenging journey is a treasure to scholars & archaeologists alike . "The Pilgrim of Bordeaux" made an extensive tour, when there were no tour guides - in AD 333! One of his diary entries says "As you climb Mount Zion from the Pool of Siloam you come to the place where the house of Caiphas once stood."
Since ancient times, various church buildings have marked the site. (That's the case with many of these special locations. While it seems a hindrance to our "experience", these buildings are in fact a blessing, since they have stood as markers through history with caretakers protecting the sites.) In this particular case, a succession of buildings had fallen into ruin, with others being destroyed or damaged in ancient battles. The present one was built in 1931 and was extensively renovated 17 years ago. Caiphas' house is where Jesus was held prisoner the long night of His betrayal. It is a moving experience to be in the cave jail rooms (under where the house stood) and remember that our Savior might have been scourged and held captive right here!
The "church" marks where Caiphas' house was, where Jesus was imprisoned, and where Peter denied His Lord. On that third denial, Pete heard the sound of the rooster crowing, and remembered what Jesus had said. I think we would have gone out and "wept bitterly" too.
In fact, I have, when I have personally sinned and failed Him.
On my first Holy Land trip, I wondered what the modern name of the place meant. I didn't get a satisfying answer from our guide or tour host. Several years later, I found it (thanks "Google"). It's called "St. Peter Gallicantu" but my question was, what does "gallicantu" mean? Would youlike to know? Are you ready? Are you sure? I waited a really long time to find out myself!
Wait for it...
It means... "cock crowing." As we walk down toward the building from the parking area, notice the brass rooster up on the cupola. Inside the building are three statues worth seeing.
On the left side, Peter’s denial: “I do not know the man” (Luke 22:57).
In the center: Peter’s repentance: “He went out and wept bitterly" (Luke 22:62).
Right: Peter’s reconciliation: “Lord you know everything. You know that I love you”(John 21:17)
Our trip presents many wonderful places/opportunities to come before Him in worship, self- examination and renewal - including this one. I'm praying you have a blessed journey with us.
By the way, this is also the likely place where Peter himself (and John) were later imprisoned for preaching the gospel of Christ! "And now, you know the rest of the story!"
t TIh A
Day 10
Sometimes referred to as a modern-day Pharaoh by supporters and detractors alike, Egypt’s former President Hosni Mubarak, ousted in the 2011 uprising, has died at 91. He fully endorsed the peace treaty with Israel that was signed by his predecessor. “Throughout his rule, he was a stalwart U.S. ally, a bulwark against Islamic militancy and guardian of Egypt’s peace with Israel." (Associated Press) Mr Mubarak has been out of the picture since his overthrow in 2011 during the "Arab Spring". His passing this week will not affect our security while we are there. We will be fascinated by Egypt!
Protected on all sides by natural barriers and blessed by the bounty of the Nile River, Egypt was one of the earliest civiliaztions - nationwide dynasties date as early as 3,300 B.C.! The history of governments begins here, where a settled government was established earlier than any other country. A king and princes are mentioned when Abram first visited there. The title "Pharaoh" means "the great house". Abram's visit (Genesis 12:10-20) was during a time of Egyptian prosperity. Joseph was sold into Egypt by his brothers about 1,900 BC. His family came to escape famine about 25 years later. God liberated His people to bring them to the Promised Land (Israel) through the miracles leading up to the Exodus in 1,445, as Moses led them out to Mount Sinai!. Later, Israel occasionally sought alliances with other world powers - including Egypt, and the prophets of God warned against that. With the rise of the Roman Empire, Egypt's dominance with world-power status faded forever.
The great pyramid is the oldest architectural monument in existence (according to Lepsius).
It is the only Egyptian monument with no idolatrous symbols. The basis of Egyptian religion
degenerated to the worship of cats, dogs, beetles, trees, rivers and hills.
The ten plagues in Exodus 8 were each against one of the major Egyptian gods from whom
Israel was being weaned. Water (Hapi - god of the Nile), Frogs (Heka a statue with a frog's
head), lice from the dust of the earth - Chemi (the god of the Nile river basin - their source of
life), Flies (from the air - Shu, son of Ra, the sun god), Murrain (disease on the cattle - they
worshiped oxen), Boils from ashes sprinkled to heaven (Neit - "queen of highest heaven),
Hail, thunder & lightning on man, beast, plants & trees - worship of man including Pharaoh),
Locusts eating every tree - Egypt was the "land of the sycamore" - like Indiana), Darkness -
Ra - their chief god (god of the sun), Death of firstborn of man and beast (Egypt believed in the afterlife - ala the pyramids).
We are in good company visiting Egypt. Mary and Joseph took Jesus there to escape the treachery of Herod. They stayed there until the coast was clear. Matthew 2:15 shows us this fulfilled the ancient prophecy, "Out of Egypt I have called my Son."
Egypt was a world power, wealth beyond imagination at the hands of the Pharaohs, yet they were disciplined by God with seven years of famine. However, God provided a wise counselor, a deliverer - one of God's people - to deliver them. When Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery they had no idea how God was going to bring that for HIS glory and the deliverance of HIS people! Indeed, as Joseph had the faith and perspective to say, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." (Genesis 50:20). I love how Max Lucado puts it
"In God's hands, intended evil becomes eventual good."
Let this transforming truth speak into your life, your situation, your struggle, your uncertainties. God is faithful! Always! His unfolding of His will may not always be clear, but it is always best.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He WILL direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:6).
Remember, God has has provided a Deliverer - one of God's own People - to deliver us too.
