My Shield

"The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." (Psalm 18:2 NKJ)

In the desert, darkness settles quickly as the sun sets over the horizon, and we were trying to get back to the main road before the sun set. We trudged through the sweltering Saharan heat and sand hoping that our taxi would be waiting for us.

I had come to Zaire on a mission trip for our church. At each church we visited, I had been blessed by the people and their worship. This mission experience had been wonderful and I had enjoyed every minute, but now the sand and heat was wearing me down.

As we rounded a dune, a large village rose out of the sand. Soon people ran toward us chatting happily with the natives in our group. The village children surged around us, eagerly surveying this white man up and down. Darkness settled around us and all I could see were eyes glowing in the dark.

With every step, I grew more and more uneasy. The realization that I was the only white person within several miles was overwhelming. I asked my colleagues if I could walk in the middle of the group, and the leader said, "what Smith, are you feeling a little out-of-place?" Then the whole group laughed and my fears were diminished.

Finally, we came to the other side of the village and our taxi was waiting on the main road. After giving directions to the driver, we settled silently in the taxi, exhausted but gratified. I hardly noticed the jostling of the taxi over the unfinished road as I let the joy and exhilaration of this mission ministry refresh my spirit. The next day, as I said my goodbyes at the airport, I knew that missions were embedded in my calling. I said a prayer, passed through customs and walked to my plane for home.

Dear Father, thank you for shielding me from the anguish and fear in this life. Empower me to avoid the obstructions that block my view of your strength and salvation. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Hide behind the shield of Christ today,