“But you will not go out in haste, nor will you go out as fugitives; For the Lord will go before you, And the Lord God of Israel will be your rear guard” - Isaiah 52:12 (NIV).
When everyone of us is setting out for any journey usually there are certain items we first check we have tucked in our travelling bags before heading out. If it is out of country of course a passport is a must. There are many countries where you will not be allowed in without a yellow fever certificate. And since the coronavirus pandemic a negative PCR test has become mandatory in certain places before jumping on to a plane.
Aside from travel documents, what else? A long time ago when Isaac came of age his father Abraham wished him to marry from his people whom they had left far behind. So he called out one of his able servants to go back to his people and get Isaac a wife. Of course this servant got out the camels he needed and all the things important for the journey. Once he got to the town of Nahor which was his destination, this servant who remains unnamed, did something remarkable and memorable.
“Then he prayed, “Lord, you are the God of my master Abraham. Make me successful today. Be kind to my master Abraham” (Gen 24:12). The servant asked God for a sign to help him know if he was in the right place. “Before he had finished praying Rebekah came out…Then the man bowed down and worshipped the Lord…The Lord has led me on this journey (Genesis 24: 15-27). Eventually he returned with Rebekah after explaining to her family his mission, who blessed her to go. “Our sister, may you increase to thousands upon thousands, may your offspring possess the cities of their enemies” (Gen 24:60).
Everyone of us is on a journey. Some near; others, quite a bit far. But each day we set out on a journey may we be inspired by this unnamed servant, who recognized the most important document one needs for any journey is prayer.
Prayer for today: Lord father in heaven, today I pray in the loving name of Jesus that as I set out on the journey of life, you bless me as you did to Abraham’s servant, this I pray in Jesus’s name.
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29/04/2024 - 30/04/2024 All day“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27)
One of the most moving Christian song ever written is, “Its well with my soul!” To hear it sung in cathedrals, concerts or at funerals, always leaves many with goose bumps. It has uplifted many through the most difficult of moments, soothing their weary spirit.
It’s coming into being in many ways show how God so often uses difficult situations to bless so many. In 1871 Horatio Spafford, was one of the wealthiest lawyers, based in Chicago. He was also a devout Christian, along with his wife Ann, and their four daughters. But early in 1871 came the Great Fire of Chicago that destroyed Spafford’s sizable investment.
Devastated from the loss, Spafford, seeking to recover, two years later, decided to go for a holiday in Europe. But at the last minute he was detained by business, letting Ann and his four daughters to proceed, hoping to join them. No sooner had they left when the ship in which they were had an accident and sank within minutes. All the four children drowned, though Anna survived.
Spafford on receiving the news decided to go and pick up Ann. As he got to the spot where the ship had sunk, in his despair came the words that have brought respite to so many, through generations. “When peace like a river attendeth my way. When sorrows like sea billows roll Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say It is well, it is well with my soul... Let this blest assurance control That Christ (yes, He has) has regarded my helpless estate, And has shed His own blood for my soul. It is well...With my soul..
It is well, it is well with my soul.”It is said as Ann saw her daughters going down, she said, “God gave me four daughters. Now they have been taken from me. Someday I will understand.” And, indeed, “It is well with my soul” was God’s gift to all of mankind through a tragedy.
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of heaven, sometimes through tragedies, it is difficult to understand or appreciate the moment; but as the song goes, whatever the difficulty may be, “Its well with my soul” for you are with me, no matter! This I pray in Jesus’ name!
