Thrive

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

Pause

I was twenty-four years old when I moved to Nepal with my husband, Gene. We studied the language for five months and then moved to a village far from Kathmandu. Gene spent nine hours a day at the hydroelectric power project where he worked. I stayed home.

Culture shock and loneliness overcame me. The day a six-foot snake slithered into my house nearly sent me over the brink. As I sat on Gene’s knee that evening and cried, the most amazing thing happened. Over our shortwave radio came “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” sung in English. It was the first and only time I heard a Christian song on the radio during our time there. I knew that the Lord was with me and would help me not merely survive but thrive in my hard place.

The Lord knows where you are, too, and he will help you thrive there. It might take a little time, but keep the faith. He will meet you in your hard place.

Ponder

What would thriving in your situation look like?

Pray

Lord, please send tangible evidence of your presence with me.