“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea…The LORD of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God is Israel is our fortress.” (Psalm 46:1,2,7)
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Fortress seen earlier this week.
When you read this, I’ll be involved in hosting an evangelistic family camp in Poland. We’re working with a team from North America, a Polish pastor and his wife, and several people from their church who are helping with the kids’ programs and as translators. We’re expecting good things! By that, I mean we’re anticipating that many men, women, and children will discover new truths about God and His great love for them through English classes, Bible lessons, crafts, games, and workshops.
Sometimes our volunteers feel a little uneasy about their tasks. They feel stretched beyond their comfort zone, they’re functioning on jet lag, and they’re dealing with a new culture and language. And yet, God who called them to the task has promised to be everything they need to get the job done.
Driving through the Eastern European countryside gives plenty of opportunities to view castles, or fortresses. The other day I saw this one, and I immediately thought of Proverbs 14:26—“He who fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge.”
Today, our staff will experience God as their fortress, their stronghold in time of weakness, their protector from the enemy who seeks to thwart the good things that He wants to accomplish at this camp.
I pray that you’ll experience the same. No matter what you face today, remember that God is your fortress. Here’s a little prayer taken from 10-Minute Time Outs for Moms. May it bless you today.
“God, in the morning I will sing of your strength and love, for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. O my Strength, I sing praise to you, my fortress and my loving God (Psalm 59:16,17). Amen.”
“Freckles,” I said. Her response made me laugh: “Hmmm. Maybe you should cut them out.”
Anna asks a lot of questions, as do other children her age. That might grow wearisome at times for their parents and caregivers, but that’s how they learn, right? And so we want to provide them with the answers, or show them how to discover the answers for themselves.
Another question kids often ask is: “What is God like?” They’re not alone in their curiosity. Many grownups – myself included – wonder the same thing. Here’s a clue I recently discovered:
“Take note of the fortified walls, and tour all the citadels, that you may describe them to future generations. For that is what God is like (emphasis mine). He is our God forever and ever, and he will guide us until we die (Psalm 48:13,14).
Last summer I visited a fortress in Poland. It towered like a stone giant atop a hill, providing a panoramic perspective. Once upon a time its walls, approximately 18 inches thick, provided protection from attacking marauders. No human force could penetrate its strength. That is what God is like to those who take refuge in Him.
In the case of the Polish fortress, however, lightning struck and fire destroyed it. But God, our fortress, remains forever and ever. No matter what situation we face, He surrounds and protects us from the enemy’s attacks. So long as we remain in Him, we will not be defeated. This promise holds true until the day we die. And until that moment comes, it’s our job to communicate this truth to the next generation so they, too, can understand that this is what God is like.
These words pump me with confidence. No matter what difficulties or pain I face, God promises His presence and victory. He is my fortress, my protection, my deliverer. He is my safe place. And He is my defense against the enemy. The same is true for you, if you walk in relationship with Him through Jesus Christ.
What insights can you share re: what God is like? I’d love to hear them.
Eastern European fortress
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