Just the other day, while sitting beside the creek running through the Christian camp where my son served for several years, I got a call from him. During the time I had spent at this camp attending a ladies retreat, he had called so that I could tell him all about what I had been doing and who I had talked with. This place is like a second home to my son and daughter in law.
So I filled him in on my activities and then he told me he had some news. Fighting had broken out in the area where he, his family and his team mates serve. There has been fighting going on in the country for months, but this time it had moved in closer to where they lived. He told me they were in exit mode while the situation was being monitored. Their future there is uncertain at present.
I notified my husband of our son’s news and instead of delivering the sermon he had prepared, he called the church to a season of prayer instead. All over the sanctuary people were rising to their feet, taking their turn to pray for my son, his family, and their friends who are serving alongside them. When I found out about this, (a friend in the service texted me to tell me what was going on), my mother’s heart was calmed beyond understanding. I camped down on the following verse,
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
I had my mother’s moment as I shared my son’s news, but God in His loving care, had ordained that I would be sharing this moment with two of my best friends. (They had come along with me to attend the ladies retreat) Their support and comfort was God’s plan to sustain me during those uncertain moments. Later in the evening I attended the church that meets at the camp. They were faithful to ask their members to pray for my son and crew.
So, why do I share all this with you?
I want you, my dear readers (especially you mothers of missionaries) to know about God’s faithfulness and loving care to sustain me in this uncertain moment. Of course, Satan stood ready to shoot those destructive fiery darts which were designed to stir up fear and doubt in my mind concerning my son’s phone call.