Engaging in God’s Heart for the Nations: 30-Day Devotionalഉദാഹരണം

The Valley of the Shadow – Day 27

Jessica Hollopeter, OMS’ Every Community for Christ

Psalm 23:4 (ESV)

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

Missionaries can have bad days. Sometimes, those bad days stretch into a bad week or even a bad month. We start to doubt our effectiveness, our kids act out, or we feel tired of being away from family. How can we share Jesus and his hope with others when we feel as though we’re walking through a valley?

First, we should remember the rod of protection. We didn’t go into this ministry alone, and we still aren’t alone. The Lord is our Shepherd, and he has assured us of his presence. We are counted among his children. No matter where we go, he has been there before us and will be there with us.

Second, we can lean upon our Shepherd’s staff of rest and rescue. We should never hesitate to call upon God in our times of need, even if we feel it is a sign of weakness or selfishness. After all, God feeds the birds of the air; are we not of more value than they? (Matthew 6:26)