Cristina’s Precious Treasure Box

Cristina’s Precious Treasure Box “These people do not even know us, but they care about us!” marveled Lucia, as she smiled at her five-year-old sister, Cristina. Cristina’s story, featured on the One With Them website, deeply touched our hearts, when we read that she had been orphaned and wounded in June 2011, during the fatal shooting of her parents and 13-year-old brother. Almost two years later, Cristina is finally doing much better. Recently, an Open Doors member visited Cristina and her sister, bringing letters of love and encouragement. Opening up one colorful card after another, she waved one to her older brother, exclaiming, “Look Arnulfo, how cute this one is!” Turning to her sister she added, “We have many who love us!” Arnulfo shared that Cristina has a box which she calls “my treasure,” where she keeps her favorite cards. Sometimes, her sister Lucia cannot find her because she is hiding in a special place where she can look through all her cards. This is a huge improvement. After the attack he shares, “She had stopped talking and her mood was not good. Due to serious bullet injuries in her arm,she had nausea whenever she ate.” Eventually, Cristina’s older brother sent her back to pre-school, which greatly helped. “Now Cristina once again has a sparkle in her eye, and a beautiful smile,” the Open Doors staff member added. “She is talking again and can eat without nausea. Praise God!” Despite physical therapy, Cristina has not fully recovered the use of her injured arm. In addition to medical assistance, Open Doors has been able to extend other practical support for Cristina and her family. “We can only be grateful to know how much our God loves us,” her brothers exclaimed. “We think it’s wonderful to have a great family that prays for us!” One With Them Be One With Cristina as you pray for full healing of her arm. Also pray for God’s ongoing comfort and emotional healing for Cristina and her siblings, as they slowly recover from the shock and consequences of this trauma.   5/8/2013

I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts. (Ephesians 6:22)

Praying with your heart

Praying With Your Heart
Located in northeast Iraq, somewhat removed from the mainstreams of war, the mountains of Kurdistan are used by many as places of refuge. 

Makruhi, a Christian teacher and servant of the Lord, knows the roads through the mountain passes well. But this year an early storm has made the trek more difficult. As her humble vehicle traverses the muddy ruts, she works hard to arrive on time.

High in a mountain village, 30 women are assembled, waiting for Makruhi to arrive. Some are ethnic Kurdish; others refugees, displaced from various cities in Iraq. All have suffered the ravages of war. Some are widowed, having lost not only their husbands, but also the provision they provided. Some have lost children. War is no discerner of persons. All suffer.

Arriving late, Makruhi quickly begins the Bible lesson with prayer. The women join in by repeating a rote prayer. Unaware they can talk to God directly from their hearts, Makruhi realizes what she needs to teach first.

“At home, some women kiss their Bible and put it near their pillow, but they don’t read it” Makruhi says. Demonstrating how to learn God’s Word, Makruhi picks up her Bible, and together they read several verses. Realizing the value of scripture, many women said that they wanted to pass on Bible stories to their children. Makruhi happily adds, “After several lessons some are now bringing their Bible to class.”

As Makruhi prepared to end the session, a woman approached showing her hand; on it was a small ring. “I rescheduled my engagement party so I could be here to learn from you today.” Another stood up saying, “I was going through depression, but I was encouraged to read the Bible. I will go back to my church and teach the children.” One student quietly added, “Please end our time with prayer. We love it when you do that!” Makruhi was delighted to show them how to pray… with their heart!

One With Them
Become One With Them by praying for these beautiful servants of God, in Iraq, to be enriched and enlightened deeply by God’s Word and His Spirit; that they may continue to carry it forth with boldness.

5/1/2013

This is my comfort in my affliction, for Your word has given me life.
(Psalms 119:50)

 

God Pursues His Children – Part 2

God Pursues His Children – Part 2 Yesterday we heard Tursun’s story. Although he has not yet accepted Jesus, God is not letting go. Today, Jun, an Open Doors contact in China, tells us about former Muslim converts. “There was one lady who could have stayed in the relative safety of a big city, but God called her back to her village. The police immediately went after her. Fortunately, she had not taken Christian materials with her and had cleaned her computer of any ‘suspicious files’. The police told her they would be watching her. Open Doors helped her start a business, giving her a reason to stay in the village and to travel and meet other believers. By engaging in business activities, she was able to operate more freely.” Jun continues, “One Christian woman was held at the police station for an entire night. The atmosphere was initially hostile, but she eventually won the trust of the police officials and ended up giving marriage counsel to them. Another woman I know is afraid to tell anyone about her faith in Jesus, especially her father. He will definitely beat her and she will quite possibly be disowned. Because people gossip; the family cannot take the risk that anyone may learn of an apostate family member.” “Some say that converts should boldly declare their new status in Christ, and face the consequences of persecution, potential bodily harm, even jail,” Jun continues. “Others claim the best approach is to remain quiet, carefully sharing with those who show a hunger for more.” In both approaches the questions remains for converts, “Is persecution the price we need to pay for revival? Will my family ostracize me? Will I spend the next 5 years in a jail? How can I demonstrate Kingdom lifestyle without jeopardizing the other believers I meet with? Am I denying my Lord if I don’t boldly declare Him?” “It doesn’t matter if we are in a village, a city or a prison cell,” Jun adds, “We need to realize who we are in Christ, and be His light wherever we are.” One With Them Be One With Muslim Background Believers today by using your freedom to boldly proclaim the truth of Jesus Christ to those around you, and pray that God would give divine wisdom to our brothers and sisters as they seek to shine the light of Christ in the face of persecution. 4/30/2013

"I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice; and they will become one flock with one shepherd." (John 10:16)

God Pursues His Children – Part 1

God Pursues His Children – Part 1
“Is this your birthday?”

Tursun (alias) was taken back by the question. Thinking it was a sort of birthday… it was exactly ten years ago that he had met a Christian girl who shared the gospel with him. After reading the Bible, he decided that the cost of following Jesus was simply too high. A seed had been planted, though, and God continued to pursue him. 

Eating with friends in a restaurant, Tursun shared that not long after the encounter with the Christian girl, he had cried out to God to know the truth. To his amazement Jesus came to him in a dream, not once, but on three occasions! In each dream Jesus wore brilliant white clothing and was surrounded by sheep. Jesus beckoned him to come and follow Him. Tursun still believed that the cost was too great and instead chose to follow his Muslim friends.

Turan shared with the men in the restaurant until late that night. Around 2:30 a.m., they joined hands and gave thanks for the divine appointment. They prayed for God to shine the absolute truth of Jesus into Tursun’s heart.

Around 25 million Muslims reside in China; most belong to ethnic Turkish groups. Among them are several thousand secret Christians. The central government allows ethnic Han Chinese believers more freedoms, and generally does not interfere with local traditions and majority religious groups. China’s government has recently adopted a softer approach toward the Church, but opposes conversions. Christians from a Muslim background face fierce opposition, not only from the government, but also from their family and community.

One With Them
Be One With Tursun and Chinese Muslims like him, praying that the chains of Islam will be broken, and they can enjoy freedom in Christ. Pray also for the many secret believers in China, as they struggle to decide whether they should openly declare their faith in Christ, or keep their faith hidden.

4/29/2013

“...for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” 
(Luke 19:10)

 

“I Begged Them to Leave My Girls”

“I Begged Them to Leave My Girls”

Deborah’s life will never be the same, following the traumatic events of 2012. Within a few months time, Boko Haram, an Islamic extremist group, killed her husband and son, and kidnapped her two daughters.

The horrific evening began like any other, Deborah’s two young girls raced up the path to greet her as she returned from a long day at work. Inside their home, her husband, Shettima, was preparing a children’s Bible study for the evening prayers at church. Setting down her belongings, she took a bucket to draw water from the village well for the evening meal.

While she was gone, armed young men arrived at the entrance to the compound and waited for her to return. “They followed me inside the compound. I tried to alert my husband, but they overpowered me and forced me to lie on the floor. I heard my husband who was watching through the window praying, ‘Father, today I will come to you, please receive my spirit.’” The attackers fired four shots, killing Shettima.

Deborah, convinced that her last moments on earth had also come, asked the Lord to receive her spirit. As she prayed, her daughters, who had been hiding, came running towards her. Deborah was helpless to stop the men as they grabbed the girls, aged 7 and 9, and dragged them from the compound. “Looking up to the heavens, I cried for help at the top of my voice, but did not get a reply.”

Three months later, the nightmare took another horrific turn as extremists forced their way into Deborah’s home and murdered her son, her last remaining child.

One With Them
It was one year ago, on April 25, when Deborah’s life was turned upside down. Still struggling with the trauma, devastation and grief, she longs to know if her daughters are still alive, and holds onto hope that she will see them again. Be One With Deborah as you pray this prayer:

Father, we know that You are the God of all Comfort. Please wrap Your arms of comfort and peace around our sister, Deborah, especially today as she relives the terror, grief and devastation that began one year ago, today. Bind up her broken heart and bring her the joy of Your presence in the midst of her pain. Nothing else can bring comfort; she needs to experience Your presence today. Please protect and rescue her little girls from the extremists who took them. Nothing is impossible for You, so we ask that the Boko Haram rebels would release them today. Restore this remaining part of Deborah’s family to each other, we pray! In the powerful name of Jesus, Amen.

One With Them CHALLENGE
Please write a message to Deborah today. Assure her that you are praying for her and that she is deeply loved.  

 

4/28/2013

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
(Psalms 147:3)

 

Arabs Find Christ Through Books

Arabs Find Christ Through Books Throughout the Arabian Peninsula, sharing the gospel comes with extreme difficulties. Importing or printing non-Islamic religious literature is almost universally restricted or forbidden. Still, God opens doors. Somehow, Christian books find their way to the Peninsula. A bookseller shares how these books have changed lives: One day, Adeeb, an active member of the mosque, entered the bookshop and discovered books with crosses; “I have been looking for these,” he explained to the bookseller, “tell me about the person this book is about.” After their conversation, Adeeb’s curiosity grew stronger. One night, while playing the radio, he stumbled upon a station that was broadcasting Bible readings. Though he did not fully understand what he heard, he still gave his heart to the Lord. Returning to the bookshop, the bookseller then began to teach Adeeb about Jesus. Adeeb’s brother-in-law began to suspect that he had converted. Adeeb brought him to the bookshop, and asked the bookseller to talk to him. Presenting him a book, the bookseller said, “It’s about Gods love.” The brother-in-law angrily shouted, “It’s a dirty book, why do you give this to me?” The bookseller then carefully began to explain the gospel to him. The message was so beautiful, that the brother-in-law’s heart was changed immediately and he accepted Jesus. Embracing Adeeb he cried, “I didn’t know, I didn’t know,” with tear-filled eyes, he added, “Forgive me, my brother!” Another time, the bookseller remembered a boy who visited the bookshop with his mother. As the boy lingered near the books with crosses, she informed him, “These books have nothing to do with our beliefs!” The young boy seemed oblivious and began to leaf through them. When he asked her to purchase one, she grabbed him and dragged him out of the shop. To the bookseller’s surprise, within minutes he was back; somehow he had broken free. Alone with the bookseller, away from the ears of his mother, he quietly asked to know about Jesus. One With Them Stand One With Christian booksellers in the Arabian Peninsula. Our brother has requested our prayers saying; “We earnestly need you to pray for each and every visitor; that they would have the chance to read the scriptures and know the Lord.” One With Them CHALLENGEConsider becoming a World Bible Sponsor. For just $5.00 a month you can send a Bible to a believer…opening many doors for people to read His Word. 4/25/2012

So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11)

The Ultomatum

The Ultimatum A Tajik woman, we will call Suraz, was teaching children at the local school when two police officers showed up in her classroom to escort her to the principal’s office. Trembling, she stood before the men as they accused her of trying to convert the children to Christianity. “You have committed a crime,” they said, “and can be sentenced to five years imprisonment.” The school principal gave Suraz an ultimatum—either resign from her job, with no court case to be initiated, or remain on the job and a criminal case against her would be filed. Suraz resigned. Two days later, she was ordered to appear before the prosecutor. “If you continue to spread the gospel,” he informed her politely, “I will do my best to have you expelled from the country.” One With Them Stand One With Them as people like Suraz face such ultimatums. Pray that God will strengthen them, dispel their fears, and grant them opportunities to share the gospel. And stand One With Them as you faithfully share the gospel as well. One With Them CHALLENGE Tajikistan is ranked #44 on Open Doors 2013 World Watch List of countries where persecution of Christians is most severe. Click here to learn more about Tajikistan. 4/4/2013

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:15-16)

TUHAN DIMANAKAH KAU?

TUHAN DIMANAKAH KAU?
Kasihanilah aku, TUHAN, sebab aku merana; sembuhkanlah aku, TUHAN, sebab tulang-tulangku gemetar, dan jiwakupun sangat terkejut; tetapi Engkau, TUHAN, berapa lama lagi? (Mazmur 6:3-4)
Tetapi Engkau, TUHAN, janganlah jauh; ya kekuatanku, segeralah menolong aku! (Mazmur 22:20)
Janganlah menyembunyikan wajahMu terhadapku, janganlah menolak hambaMu ini dengan murka; Engkaulah pertolonganku, janganlah membuang aku dan janganlah meninggalkan aku, ya Allah penyelamatku! (Mazmur 27:9)

Aku merasa gentar dan takut. Belum selesai aku memperjuangkan kestabilan ekonomi keluarga dan pelayanan selama tiga tahun ini, kami harus pula menampung anggota keluarga yang mengalami musibah di tempat kami memasuki tahun 2010 ini. Kala semua belum beres, kini kontrakan rumah kami pun habis dan dalam waktu seminggu ini kami diminta untuk meninggalkan kontrakan rumah kami. Haruskah kami menjadi gelandangan di kota Bandung? Kadang dalam kesendirianku, aku merasa ditinggalkan. Kusadar saat kita punya kedudukan dan harta, banyak orang di sekitar kita tetapi saat kita memulai suatu yang baru, sedikit sahabat di tempat yang baru dan nama kita belum dikenal maka terkesan orang kurang peduli. Ketakutan meliputi pikiran dan hatiku. Berdoa…berpuasa….berseru dengan segenap hati…memberi & berbagi apa yang kami miliki dalam kekurangan…tapi keuangan kami belum pulih juga….bahkan kini kami terancam menjadi homeless alias gelandangan. Mengapa kami harus melalui ini semua…??? Tuhan dimanakah Engkau??? Bukankah KAU BAPA YANG BAIK, mengapa KAU izinkan hal ini terjadi atas hidup keluarga kami seolah kami sudah melakukan dosa yang tak terampuni, ketika kami berbagi cerita dan beban dengan saudara seiman lainnya…nampak semua menutup telinga dan memalingkan wajah mereka….ketika kami berpaling kepadaMU pun rasanya KAU diam saja tak bergeming. Darimanakah pertolongan kami??? Waktu berjalan terus jangankan untuk membayar kontrakan rumah, untuk makan sehari-hari dan bahkan pelayanan pun tiada. Akankah kami mati kelaparan sebagai gelandangan di kota Bandung??? Inikah akhir kehidupan kami?? Inikah rencana Tuhan atas hidup kami di kota Bandung?? KEMATIAN DALAM KELAPARAN & KEMISKINAN??????
AKU TAHU BAHWA RENCANA TUHAN ITU MASA DEPAN YANG CERAH DAN BUKAN RANCANGAN KECELAKAAN….tetapi yang tiga tahun ini kami rasakan seolah kami ini penjahat yang layak ditindas…rasanya sia-sia kami setia pada visi dan panggilan Tuhan. Bila melihat kehidupan orang yang hidup dalam dosa dan berkelimpahan harta…menyia-nyiakan hidup dalam dosa dan kesia-siaan….aku merasa iri hati terhadap mereka. Kami memiliki visi tetapi tidak memiliki harta untuk mengerjakannya. Kami sudah mencoba berbagi beban visi ini selama tiga tahun tapi tak seorangpun meresponi secara positif….seolah apa yang kami kerjakan ini sia-sia. Kami menjadi bahan olokan orang dunia dan bahkan saudara seiman…yang lebih suka menjadi penonton….ingin melihat “bagaimana cara Tuhan menolong kami”….bukan dukungan tetapi kata-kata negatif terlontar dari mulut saudara-saudara seiman….hingga aku pun mulai bertanya-tanya…benarkah Tuhan itu ada dan memanggil kami? AKU TAHU BAHWA TUHAN ITU ADA…..tapi kami merasa seolah Tuhan tak ada dan kami tak memiliki masa depan. Aku tahu pandanganku ini salah tetapi itulah yang kurasakan sekarang…..aku hanya berupaya transparan saja di hadapan Tuhan maupun sesama. Tuhan mengingatkanku akan keluhan bani Asaf dalam Mazmur 73…..tetapi tetap itu tak menghiburku sebab sudah tiga tahun berlalu dan “terobosan” itu tak kunjung terlihat…..Begitu banyak nubuatan positif dan ayat firman Tuhan yang menjadi rhema dalam hidup kami disampaikan oleh rekan-rekan pelayan Tuhan lainnya tetapi…..kapan dan dimana penggenapannya?? Seolah semuanya hanyalah hiburan selama beberapa menit dan lalu kami harus menghadapi kenyataan yang pahit.
Sampai berapa lama KAU berdiam diri ya Tuhan??? Dimanakah janji pembelaanMU bagi kami para hambaMU bahkan anak-anakMu ini?
Pikiran gila kadang melintas dalam pikiranku….19 tahun sudah aku melayani dan hidup dalam Tuhan….tapi tiba-tiba pikiran untuk meninggalkan Tuhan terlintas….keputusasaan memenuhi pikiranku..rasa frustasi menyesakkan dadaku…….aku merasa sia-sia semua perjuangan dan pengorbananku ini. AKAL SEHATKU MENGATAKAN SEMUA INI TIADA SIA-SIA…TIDAK ADA YANG SIA-SIA DI DALAM TUHAN. Tetapi di sisi lain kala melihat kenyataan hidup saat ini……..hatiku getir….pahit…melihat anak-anakku tidak bisa minum susu….anak-anakku tak dapat mendapatkan pendidikan yang optimal….aku merasa sebagai pecundang…..AKAL SEHATKU MENGATAKAN BAHWA AKU LEBIH DARIPADA PEMENANG……benarkah??? TUHAN BILA ENGKAU NYATA….DIMANAKAH ENGKAU SAAT INI? Sampai berapa lama lagi kami harus hidup di bawah garis kemiskinan dan hinaan orang? Apakah tidak sebaiknya aku melupakan Tuhan saja, sebab aku merasa Tuhan sudah melupakan kami sekeluarga? Peperangan timbul dalam batinku….kutahu kebenaran tapi kenyataan seolah bertentangan dengan kebenaran dan janji Tuhan. Sampai berapa lama kami dapat mempertahankan iman kami padaMu, Kristus? Bila kami harus melalui tahun-tahun yang kelam ini……sampai kapan???
Entahlah sampai kapan kudapat bertahan…tiap kali semangatku bangkit dan melihat jiwa-jiwa baru mulai berdatangan saat itu pula…kami tidak memiliki dana untuk mengunjungi mereka….jangankan membantu….mengunjungi saja…tak mampu hingga akhirnya apa yang telah kami bangun kehilangan momentum kembali…..Komunitas baru terbentuk lalu kami tak sanggup untuk sekedar berkumpul untuk ibadah dengan mereka….hingga akhirnya kelompok saudara seiman yang lain mengambil alih atau yang terburuk…mereka kembali pada kehidupan mereka yang lama. Seolah semuanya menjadi sia-sia.
Usaha dengan membuat proposal, meminta bantuan dengan share perjuangan kami pada saudara seiman lainnya sampai berupaya membuka usaha sudah dilakukan namun tidak ada satu pun yang berjalan dengan baik dan dapat mendukung sisi finansial kami….semuanya nampak sia-sia….aku merasa sudah berada di ujung tanduk untuk menyerah saja…aku merasa sudah tak kuat lagi…..
Sampai aku pada suatu kepasrahan…….”SANGAT SUSAH HATIKU, BIARLAH KIRANYA KITA JATUH KE DALAM TANGAN TUHAN, SEBAB BESAR KASIH SAYANGNYA; TETAPI JANGANLAH AKU JATUH KE DALAM TANGAN MANUSIA.” (2 Samuel 24:14)
Doaku,”Tuhan ampunilah hambaMu ini yang kurang percaya…tambahkan iman hambaMu ini. Mampukan hamba untuk terus maju dan mengalahkan setiap keraguan yang menyerang pikiran ini. Aku gentar…aku takut…BAPA….melalui lembah kekelaman dan gunung terjal dihadapan kami. Kami sadar tidak sanggup lagi berjalan dengan kekuatan kami…tolong Dave, Novie, Philip dan little George untuk melalui ini semua dengan iman yang berkobar padaMU. Hingga bila kami harus melalui skenario kehidupan yang terburuk sekalipun….kami tetap dipenuhi ucapan syukur…dan tetap dapat melihat kebaikan Tuhan. Hidup atau mati kami ada dalam tanganMU TUHAN….kami berserah sepenuhnya padaMU saja….lakukanlah yang KAU lihat itu baik bagi kami….AMIEN.

UCAPAN SYKUR SEBAGAI BAGIAN HIDUP

UCAPAN SYUKUR SEBAGAI BAGIAN HIDUP

Bacaan Firman Tuhan: 1 Tes 5:18

a.Mengucap syukur dalam segala hal.
1.Mudah bagi kita mengucapkan syukur kala semua berjalan lancar dalam kehidupan kita.
2.Yang membedakan “orang percaya” sebagai terang dan garam dunia (Mat 5:13-16) dengan orang dunia adalah orang Kristen mengucap syukur dalam segala keadaan (Mat 5:43-48). Tekanan pada ayat 48.

b.Itu yang dikehendaki Allah di dalam Kristus Yesus bagimu
1.Itu yang Tuhan kehendaki, menjadikan ucapan syukur sebagai bagian hidup dan bukan sekedar “lips service” (Puji Tuhan dari dasar hati & bukan sekedar kata-kata yang keluar sebab sekarang beragama Kristen)
2.Dapatkah kita atau mampukah kita untuk memiliki hidup yang penuh ucapan syukur? Ya.
Sadari selama hidup di dunia, kita akan hadapi yang namanya masalah. Sebab sejak kita jadikan Yesus sebagai Tuhan dan Juruselamat, kita menjadi musuh dunia (Yoh 15:18).
Lihat masalah dari “kacamata positif” dan hadapi problem tersebut (Yesus penuh Roh Kudus dibawa oleh Roh Kudus ke padang gurun, Luk 4:1, mengalami ujian setelah puasa 40 hari)
Makin dewasa dan bertumbuh dalam Tuhan (Yesus berjalan dalam kuasa Roh (Luk 4:14, 1 Kor 10:13, Ibr 2:18)

Mulai hari ini, apa pun yang terjadi dalam hidup kita, UCAPKANLAH SYUKUR!

Ucapkanlah syukur untuk segala hal dalam hidup kita.
Belajar untuk peka, apa yang Tuhan mau sampaikan pada saat sukses dan gagal, sebab itu semua merupakan sebuah proses pembelajaran dalam kehidupan.
Maju selangkah dalam pimpinan Tuhan sebagai anak Allah.

NOT AGAIN

NOT AGAIN

Pada waktu kamu dicobai Ia akan memberikan jalan keluar, sehingga kamu dapat menanggungnya. (1 Kor 10:13)

Saat itu kami berada di ruang pemeriksaan dokter, ada benjolan di punggung istriku. Pada mulanya kami berpikir itu benjolan biasa saja yang akan segera hilang. Namun setelah beberapa bulan berlalu benjolan itu tidak hilang juga. Hingga akhirnya kami memutuskan untuk memeriksakannya pada seorang dokter. Dokter mendiagnosa bahwa itu bisa saja tumor dan sebaiknya diangkat melalui operasi. Kata pertama yang keluar dalam hatiku adalah,”Not again.” Mengapa hal ini harus aku lalui lagi? Berjuta pertanyaan segera memenuhi benakku seketika itu juga. Keraguan akan kebaikan Tuhan mulai menggerogoti imanku. Sampai di satu titik, dimana aku mengusir keraguan itu, mencoba untuk tenang dan mulai mengingat kebaikan Tuhan atas hidup kami. Bagaimana Tuhan mempertemukan kami. Bagaimana Ia mencukupi semua kebutuhan pernikahan kami sendiri tanpa bantuan orangtua. Ia telah mengaruniakan seorang putra bagi kami. Aku pun bersyukur atas istriku yang selalu mendukungku dalam suka maupun duka. Saat itu aku menyadari betapa banyaknya kebaikan Tuhan atas hidupku. Apapun ujian itu, Tuhan pasti akan memberi jalan keluar bagi kami. Dalam kehidupan kita ada masa dimana kita mengalami dukacita namun ada pula masa dimana kita mengalami sukacita. Pilihan ada di dalam tangan kita untuk hidup mengasihani diri sendiri dan tertekan atau memilih untuk mengingat kebaikan Tuhan atas hidup ini. Ketika kami mulai mengingat kebaikan Tuhan, semangat dan optimisme muncul kembali. Kami tatap masa depan kami dengan iman percaya pada Tuhan Yesus. Pencobaan yang kami alami merupakan suatu batu loncatan untuk kemajuan rohani kami di dalam Dia. Bagaimana kami dapat menyaksikan kebaikanNya bila kami sendiri belum pernah mengalami Kristus dalam hidup ini. Kami percaya Tuhan akan menolong kami melalui badai cobaan ini, sebab Ia adalah Tuhan yang setia dan tidak pernah meninggalkan kita.

Doa: Ajar kami Tuhan untuk percaya bahwa Engkau akan menolong pergumulan kami.

Ayat FT: Matius 11:28-30