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I am sure it’s the case in your life too, whether at home or at work, there are ups and downs in our lives that are reflected in our emotions. In a typical week here, I am honored to be able to share in the joys of people’s lives and the sorrows and pain that are living and loving in today’s world. It is a privilege and a blessing to think that we might make a difference in someone else’s life in some small way through our actions. Yet it can be an emotionally draining experience in many ways. It’s perhaps no wonder we sometimes refer to it as experiencing a roller coaster of emotions.

During these moments, I am often reminded of the story of Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt being pursued by Pharaoh’s army. What highs and lows of emotions that story has, the suspense and excitement of leaving Egypt to go into the wilderness and the Promised Land ahead of them. The anger, dismay, and fear came with recognizing that Pharaoh had changed his mind and was now intent on re-capturing them. The absolute dread at realizing they were trapped by the waters of the Red Sea on one side and the army of Pharaoh bearing down on them on the other. Then the sheer wonder and amazement at the sight of the waters being parted presenting the escape route they had been praying for. Then having made it to the other side, the overwhelming sense of relief and exultation.

In recalling this saving act of God, I am reminded that life doesn’t always go smoothly; it has its challenges, even times when the future looks hopeless but, come what may, God is with us, in both the good times and the bad. It is absolutely true that whatever the challenge or obstacle before us in life, by turning to God listening to the answer to our prayer, we too can be led as the Israelites were, safely through to a better place. We can often look back as Moses, and the Israelites did so long ago and see where God was active in our lives, where God overcame seemingly immovable and impossible obstacles in our path. How were you helped?

In the letter to the Romans, we read, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship, persecution or famine, nakedness or peril or sword? As it is written, ‘For your sake we are being put to death all day long, and reckoned as sheep for the slaughter.’ In all these things, however, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” (Romans 8:35-37)

May this be our prayer,

Lord, whatever I may face, teach me that your power is sufficient for all my needs. Teach me to walk in faith, confident that you will show me the way forward. Through Christ, my Lord. Amen.  

Shalom to you, my friend.