Sunday, 11 February 2024
Psalm 23:4 (NLT)
"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."
Christ is with you in even the darkest place!
During the communist years, Zbigniew Chojnacki, then a pastor and now Ambassadors for Christ International's director in Poland, actively worked to train young people for future ministry. Since the communist government didn't permit Christians to gather for training, they had to meet in secret, where they couldn't be observed. Allan and Pam Gardner met Zbigniew in Ostroda, but then drove separately as tourists to rendezvous with the group deep in the forests of northern Poland.
Traveling to the meeting place, the Gardners' group drove their cars into the dark forest. About midnight, they were going along slowly, not sure what to expect. They weren't sure if they should make their presence visible by using their headlights, but couldn't see where they were going otherwise. Finally, they saw a solitary light ahead of them. Could it be a trap? Or could that be their group?
Suddenly, a large group of young people emerged from the darkness in front of the car, surrounding them, clapping and cheering, "We've been praying you would come!"
The week that followed was filled with fellowship, teaching, and the joy of the Lord.
Even in the darkest, scariest places, the Lord promises to go with us. A Middle Eastern shepherd always walks ahead of his sheep, going first to scout out any danger. The sheep follow trustingly, knowing that their protector is close.
Unlike sheep, we cannot see our shepherd with our human eyes, but he has assured us he will go with us always. When your path goes through dark and scary places, will you put your trust in the one who goes before you, leaning on him for guidance and protection?
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