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Devotional

Because There is Hope

by BARBARA KINDSCHI SECURITY Connecting with nationals Hearing God & Understanding His Will
Because There is Hope
  • by BARBARA KINDSCHI
  • Comment
“And you will feel secure, because there is hope; you will look around and take your rest in security.”
Job 11:18

I had the privilege of meeting a woman whose faith was legend in our little corner of southeast Asia. We couldn’t talk to each other. What I knew of her was through others. She had broken from her animist beliefs when news of the true fortress and security had been shared with her.  


Her husband came to faith after her and soon was diagnosed with cancer. I don’t know if his treatment was inadequate or too late but he soon died. His wife and a small group of believers arranged a Christian service. What that meant to them was unclear but they wanted it to represent his faith in the God that had prepared a place for him. 


The local animist villagers and leaders would not hear of it. It must be a Buddhist ceremony. Their attempts to stop her plans were to no avail. The day of the ceremony, as brothers carried his body to the burial spot, a group met the procession and stole the body. 


Her reaction? 


Disappointment over a destroyed precious plan? 


Righteous anger over the loss of a chance to honor her God and her husband? 


Moaning over injustice that no one would defend her right to have this ceremony in the way she and others wanted? 


Quick words of forgiveness to those who believe differently? 


More than these. 


“I’m sad but oh, the fear they must be feeling to make them do this. What a terrible life…fearing evil spirits that demand your obedience.”


She knew of these spirits and now saw the battle with new eyes. Not one against flesh and blood and preferences and traditions. But against the Most High Almighty who has overcome the world and in whom she had now found security and hope. 


“He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.” Psalm 40:2


Her story was convicting. Am I aware of the battle I face daily? Do I remember that He is at my right hand, a fortress, a shield, refuge, and rock on which my steps will be secure? Do I live as one described in the Swedish hymn, “more secure is no one ever than the loved ones of the Savior”? 


Closing Prayer
Oh God, what do I mean when I say I feel insecure or unsafe? What am I trusting in? What do I think is missing? Thank you for your Word and all the reminders – through individual’s stories as well as imagery – of your powerful protection. I admit there are times I don’t see it. Like the song says – “the wrong seems so strong”. I meet opposition to what I think is right and hear discouraging words and meet with evil forces that appear to be victorious. It is so easy for me to take it personally. Help me rest in your secure hands and have your eyes as this woman did. And thank you, thank you for Psalm 91! Amen.
Resources
Song: Security by Caroline V. Sandell This Swedish hymn is also known as Children of the heavenly Father. Like in Psalm 91 there is lots of imagery. If you’re not a singer, just read the words aloud!
Scripture: Psalm 91 To me, this is the Security chapter of the Bible! I enjoyed reading it in several translations.
Sermon: Safe and Secure - Psalm 125 by Ray Fowler A bit long but many connections between Old and New Testament views of security. I learned so much!
Question for Reflection

What are some examples in your countries of service where new believers have shared their discoveries about God’s protection?

Comments
Barbara Kindschi
May 31, 2023

One of my Chinese friends had the opportunity to attend a prayer meeting that was predominately westerners. It was an English-speaking group and I think she wanted a chance to practice her language as she’d only prayed with fellow Chinese speakers. When she recounted the evening to me she went on and on about how one lady was thankful for the recovery of a lost umbrella just before a storm. “How silly to pray about an umbrella and then get all excited when it’s found! God can do so much more than find an umbrella. My grandfather was a preacher and went from village to village. Many people tried to stop him, even burn down the tent he stayed in. It never worked. Why? Because God went before him.” While there is nothing wrong with the lady’s umbrella prayer, my friend reminded me what a big God we serve.