The Name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs
into it and is safe.
Proverbs 18:10
Proverbs 18:10
When
you hear the word “refuge,” what image comes to mind? You might think of a
fortress surrounded by water to keep those inside safe from anyone seeking to
do them harm. The Bible describes God as our refuge—our safe place of
protection. Understanding this helps us trust God more fully.
As
Believers, we can face difficult circumstances with confidence because God is
our strong tower. Bri McKoy gained a greater understanding while visiting
Ecuador with Compassion International. The girls in this community are viewed
as objects and potential wives at a young age. When Bri arrived, men were
lingering outside the church trying to cast a net with their eyes. The pastor
locked the gate to keep the church a strong refuge for the children inside.
Let’s hear about her experience:
Sometimes poverty looks like not having enough food to nourish
your body. Sometimes it looks like not living in acceptable conditions –
leaving you exposed to the weather, disease and an easy target for all kinds of
evil. Today it looked a lot like loneliness. Like no one was ever going to come
for you. Like the only way out was just another turn into poverty – getting
married too young and starting a family you can’t possibly provide for.
You were up to your elbows in abandonment.
And just when I thought I’d need a lifetime of deep breaths
before I lost my mind at this cycle of poverty, I went to your house, Brenda.
Your smile was so innocent and blindingly pure…
While loneliness, abandonment, and an urgency to settle down
young is raging through your community, there is something else living loud.
The local church…
You have come to know Jesus. And you know He has a plan for you
too. So poverty, it is breaking with every step you take. And you are another
divine appointment, reminding me that my life is so worth losing for the work
of God…
“God sees you. He sees you. He loves you. He has a plan for you.
One you cannot even imagine.”
God
sees you too and He loves you. He has a plan for your life. Are you secure in
His refuge?
Lord, when the world around me seems chaotic help me to
understand that you are my refuge and that I am always safe with You.
