Experiencing Provision and Protection on Our Journey.
In this phase of our Sabbatical journey, the song from Psalm 51 and Rihanna's Umbrella is in our minds.
In life, we often find ourselves seeking shelter from the scorching sun and seeking refuge from the pouring rain. Just as we physically seek shade under an umbrella, we have the privilege of dwelling under the shadow of the Almighty, finding comfort and security in our relationship with God. Like the beautiful words of Psalm 91, we can confidently proclaim that He is our refuge and fortress, and in Him, we place our trust. As we journey through life, we seek refuge in the secret place of the Most High, finding shelter under His shadow. We continually recognize the unexpected blessings that come our way and gratefully acknowledge the divine protection that surrounds us.
Experiencing Provision in Our Journey
God's provision is abundant, and He often surprises us with His generous blessings. During our recent travels to Korea and Delhi, we were blessed with unexpected and extravagant upgrades in our accommodations. It was a clear reminder that God's provision surpasses anything we could provide for ourselves or our loved ones. Additionally, we were fortunate to experience the hospitality of friends along the way. Our dear friend Miji Kim showed us the vibrant city of Seoul, and how to ride the subway trains, making our visit a smooth and enjoyable experience. In Delhi, we relished the delicacies, the warmth, and the rich relationships we formed. Truly, God's provision extends beyond material possessions and encompasses the joy of shared experiences and connections.
Living Under His Umbrella
We acknowledge that God is our ultimate source of provision and protection. ]ust as Jonah experienced gratitude for the shade that covered him, we too can find gratitude in God's covering. Regardless of the circumstances we face, whether in times of abundance or scarcity, joy or sorrow, we can trust that God's sheltering presence will be there for us. He is our constant refuge, offering us solace, comfort, and strength. Like Jonah, we are shaded by the divine plant, "And the Lord God prepared a plant and made it come up over Jonah, that it might be shade for his head to deliver him from his misery. So Jonah was very grateful for the plant." Jonah 4:6.
Prayer, Protection, And Peace
On Saturday, June 24, the direct route to the first part of our sabbatical destination was disrupted due to a battle between militant groups and the Indian army—many passengers were left stranded en route to the city and the airport. Our upcoming journey is to a place where internet access has been banned due to violence and unrest. Despite the risks, we are drawn to this place because it is our roots and legacy. We trust that God is with us as we step into the unknown. Many passengers to the city and the airport were left stranded. We trust that God is with us as we step into the unknown.
It is crucial for us to lead by example and walk on the path of peace. Although peace may seem unattainable in a world filled with turmoil, we must remain peaceable. In Hebrews 12:14, it is written, "Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord." Let us explore practical steps that encompass prayer, protection, and peace.
Prayer: Just as an umbrella shields us from the sun's harmful rays, A prayer of faith is a powerful source of protection and guidance. Prayer connects us to the divine, providing us with strength, wisdom, and discernment. As we embark on this journey, our reliance on individuals and prayer of the community of faith becomes even more evident. Trusting that God is with us, we step into the unknown, knowing that the prayers of a supportive community of believers surround us. Through prayer, we find solace, guidance, and strength that may seek to walk on the path of peace in challenging circumstances.
Protection: God's umbrella of protection serves as our refuge amid the storms of life. Despite the risks involved in our journey to a place marred by violence and unrest, we are drawn to it because it holds our roots and legacy. We firmly believe that God's protective hand will be with us as we endeavor to live at peace with God and our neighbors.
Peace: It is essential to embody the virtues of the fruit of the divine Holy Spirit. We believe in the innate goodness of humanity and strive to act accordingly. By treating our neighbors with kindness, respect, and compassion, we can be a part of the story of reconciliation and understanding. Healing requires intentional efforts to bridge divides, foster dialogue, and promote harmony. In doing so, we become catalysts for change, inspiring others to embrace peaceful resolutions and embrace the shared values that unite us as human beings.
In our journey, love forms the foundation for our actions. We embody the belief in the goodness of humanity, treating others with kindness and compassion. This will be reflected in the way we treat our neighbors. We have to believe that there is goodness in humanity, and we have to act accordingly.
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