My Sustainer

O Lord, so many are against me. So many seek to harm me. I have so many enemies. So many say that God will never help me. But Lord, you are my shield, my glory, and my only help. You alone can lift my head, now bowed in shame.

I cried out to the lord, and he heard me from his Temple in Jerusalem. Then I lay down and slept in peace and woke up safely, for the Lord was watching over me. And, now, although ten thousand enemies surround me on every side, I am not afraid. I will cry to him, "Arise, O Lord! Save me, O my God!" And he will slap them in the face, insulting them and breaking off their teeth.

For salvation comes from God. What joys he gives to all his people. Psalms 3:1-8 (TLB)

Ruth Haroon lives in Punjab, Pakistan. When she was 10 years old, they moved to a new city, and Ruth started attending a new school. When she came to class on the first day, the teacher asked her to sit on the last bench. She said in an angry voice, "Here comes another dull student." In her country, Christians are a minority and often face prejudice and even persecution.

As time passed, Ruth kept working hard and kept praying for her success. Her parents also prayed for her and encouraged her. In the final exam, Ruth achieved the highest scores. That day the teacher said to the class in a very low voice, "Ruth is a brilliant student." Ruth studied in that school for six more years, and God sustained her.

Years have passed since Ruth completed school and her university education. Life presents a new challenge every day, but God has always been there to encourage her. Ruth firmly believes that God is always with her, and she praises God's holy name.

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for giving us strength to face each challenge, and help all those who are facing hardships, in Jesus' name. Amen.