Our Refuge

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." ~Psalm 46:1

Did you realize that Rahab was a refugee? Did you know that Joseph was a victim of human trafficking? Did you consider that Esther was an orphan? Did you notice that Ruth was a poor immigrant, dependent on her host country for her needs?

God loved each of them by name. It was by his grace that they were saved - that they were brought out of dangerous places, set free and lifted up, given a seat of honor and a crown of glory, provided for and cared about personally. The Bible is a beautiful thing for those who are oppressed, because it is full of stories just like theirs that all end in hope. Isn't this our story too? Weren't we all strangers to God, bound by our sin, alone and unloved, desperately in need? God's heart is for people who are oppressed... people like us. He delights to adopt us and rescue us, to be our Father, if we just trust him.

Yesterday, this is what we talked about in Women's Club. The women took turns reading the above verse in their first language - Chinese, Burmese, French, and Spanish were represented - and after each woman read, we all agreed with an "Amen!" and "Hallelujah!" Then we all read it in English together. It was so beautiful to hear the women receive and claim this promise from Scripture.

Pray for those who are still oppressed, who still do not know or understand the gift of God through Christ Jesus. Pray for those here in Fort Wayne as well as those in your own life... pray that they will know the truth and the truth will set them free!