The Lord Is Our Refuge

Jesus then left that part of the country and walked the fifty miles to Tyre and Sidon. A woman from Canaan who was living there came to him, pleading, "Have mercy on me, O Lord, King David's son! For my daughter has a demon within her, and it torments her constantly."

But Jesus gave her no reply - not even a word. Then his disciples urged him to send her away. "Tell her to get going," they said, "for she is bothering us with all her begging."

Then he said to the woman, "I was sent to help the Jews - the lost sheep of Israel - not the Gentiles."

But she came and worshiped him and pled again, "Sir, help me!"

"It doesn't seem right to take bread from the children and throw it to the dogs," he said.

"Yes, it is!" she replied, "for even the puppies beneath the table are permitted to eat the crumbs that fall."

"Woman," Jesus told her, "your faith is large, and your request is granted!" And her daughter was healed right then.

Matthew 15: 21-28 (TLB)

For Jehovah is my refuge! I choose the God above all gods to shelter me. How then can evil overtake me or any plague come near? For he orders his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will steady you with their hands to keep you from stumbling against the rocks on the trail. Psalms 91: 9-11 (TLB)

Andra Laum lives in Saaremaa, Estonia. When her daughter left to study in another city, Andra was alone for the first time in her life. This was a big transition for her. She had grown used to caring for her daughter and teaching her. They spent almost all their time together. It was difficult to let her go, but it was necessary. This is the normal course of life. In contrast, her daughter, filled with hopes, dreams, and excitement, was happy for her independence.

As a Christian parent, Andra finds great comfort in prayer. Every day she trusts her daughter's life into God's hands and asks God to provide her protection and wisdom. Even though her daughter is now an adult and living in another city, prayer is one way that Andra can continue to care for her every day. She has found that prayer also gives her strength and helps her adjust to a new stage in her life.

Prayer: Dear God, we are grateful that we can trust our loved ones to your care. We ask you to protect and bless them every day, in Jesus' name. Amen.