This morning on the news I read the story of Hassan, the 11-year-old Ukrainian boy who traveled ALONE for 600 miles over 4 days with just a bag, a passport, and a phone number written on his hand. He is one of an estimated 3 million Ukrainians who are fleeing the Russian invasion that is targeting civilians, including those who are trying to evacuate cities being bombed and shelled.
This Sunday we’re looking at what it means to be “targeted”, “hunted”, and “pursued” in 2 Cor. 4:9. Most of us have never suffered in this way for the Gospel, but we’ve all experienced the heartache of injustice, of being singled out for no good reason, or we have seen it done to others. We’ve felt the rising emotion of wanting to yell, scream, or strike out to make things change. How are we to respond in these moments? Do we stand and fight? Do we run and hide?
Hassan told reporters that he was very scared and that he wanted to cry… but didn’t. He knew that across the border in Slovakia his mother and family members were waiting for him. Paul says he was “hunted down, but never abandoned by God”. (NLT) Paul was able to keep going because he had the ideal companion. Jesus didn’t promise he would always rescue us from every heartache, crisis, or catastrophe. But he DID promise he would never leave us or forsake us! It was true for Paul and it’s true for any child of God.
Take strength today in whatever challenge you are facing, knowing that Jesus is there with you.
Leaning on the everlasting arms,
Kurt
P.S. Next Sunday Marc 27th at 3 pm will be the Spring Concert by the Valley Church Children’s Choir and the Valley Church Handbell Academy. Please register for this event using this LINK.