Stunning Encouragement

For the past several years I have used the morning and evening readings in the Book of Common Prayer for my quiet times.  I can’t tell you the number of times during that stretch that the seemingly random readings met needs about which I was struggling.

About the middle of February I switched to M’Cheyne’s reading calendar.  At some level I thought that it was the reading program that was meeting my needs.  I was wrong.  The same thing is happening with M’Cheyne.

I am in the midst of prep for a trip to another country.  I have been tasked to work with leaders of some churches for 5 days and then work with families in the churches for the next five days.

I have been struggling with getting the material pulled together.  In the past, this has been a fun but challenging process.  This time it is just challenging.  Much of that has been, I think, attacks of the enemy.  Yesterday, the reading plan took me to Deuteronomy 20:1 – 4.  To say that was encouraging would be a huge understatement.

I was reminded that in the war against the enemy of our Lord and His Church, that I am not alone in the battles.  Although the enemy is powerful, I am not to fear.  For the Lord is on my side in this fight.

Those words, written over 2500 years ago, gave me great comfort and encouragement.  It brought to mind that I need rest and trust in Him as I work through this prep.

So it was not the reading plan.  It was the Word.  It was the Holy Spirit.  It was the Lord.  I am humbly thankful.  I am stunningly encouraged.