During 2020 it seems like just about anything and everything can and does happen. We know all too well the the challenges we face daily with the Coronavirus. Countries around the world are fighting that battle, and in so many places those who work daily to earn their food for that day, are suffering terribly. Businesses, jobs and schools are being hard hit. At the same time California and other western states are being ravaged by unprecedented fires. Families and their homes are at risk. In Niger, located in West Africa, overwhelming flooding by the Niger River has devastated thousands of families. Sahel Academy and other schools have suffered overwhelming losses, and are scrambling to locate alternative sites for classes, while recovery, restoration and rebuilding take place. We are reminded that we often take everyday necessities and blessings for granted. Here is the biggest truth we can take with us as we move forward in these troubled times. God promises us He will never leave us nor forsake us. In fact, He assures us, that even as the very worst comes upon us or around us, He remains by our side and will lead us through, whether it be illness or fire or flood. We will never face anything alone. Surely we have an important message of hope to be found in Jesus, our Savior. May God make us, as others have said, His hands and feet in expressing His love and His care among those around us who are in need.

When There Are Raging Waters

When there are raging waters to cross through
and when there are fiery flames threatening you;
when it seems that survival is the most you can do
and when even death seems like a relief to you;
remember, no matter how deep nor how rough
the waters rise and risk overwhelming you,
remember though the fire blaze hot and ever
closer to surrounding and entrapping you;
you have a God who deeply cares for you,
you have a Savior who always walks with you,
you have His overcoming Spirit who will
lift you up and on His shoulders carry you—
God who made you is ever calling out
in love for you; Jesus who saved you once
and saves you still is reaching out in love
for you while His Holy Spirit still strengthens you.

M.S.
September 11, 2020

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through the fire you shall not be burned,
and the flames shall not consume you.

Isaiah 43: 2 ESV