“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” —John 3:16-17

08 Dec, 2020

The word ‘selah’ throughout Scripture is used as an exclamation mark at the end of a verse to help us pause and reflect on its meaning. Today, in day eight of our Christmas devotional series we are resting on John 3:16-17. Selah.

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Trusting God Throughout the Journey

by Micah Rose

When I was 15 years old, the Lord gave me a vision to be a catalyst for justice by becoming a lawyer.

It feels surreal even now because that vision seems too big for me to handle. But I followed Him because I know that when I hear the voice of God and He tells me to do something, there is no other response I should give but to say “yes” to Him.

So, two years ago, I started a law degree with the support of an Anglican church in Sydney and my former Compassion sponsors.

The journey has not been easy. It has been filled with failures, disappointments, delays and heartbreaks. Although I have the vision and hand of God as my guiding star, there are days when it feels like that star has slipped out of sight.

And it is tough when the Lord gives you a promise, but you don’t know all the answers to what, when, why and how.

All you can do at that moment is to have faith, take that one step and remain hopeful.

Thousands of years ago, there were three wise men who travelled from the East—a sign that the Messiah is for all people.

Matthew clearly tells us that these men first appeared in Jerusalem and they only arrived in Bethlehem around one year after the birth of Jesus. These facts may show that the star that led them to Jesus was not visible all throughout their journey. But although the star may not always have been visible, it appeared when it was necessary, which revealed that God is very much in charge. These wise men must have faced uncertainties and dangers, but for them worshipping Jesus was the end goal of their journey and so they persevered.

Where are you in your journey with God right now?

Whether you just started this journey—or are in the middle of it like me—sometimes it might feel like you won’t be able to make it due to the circumstances you are in. Maybe all you want to do is to run back to your comfort zone because you are afraid of taking more risks.

This message is for you: keep going.

The journey may be rough and may take a lot of time, but if you know that you are on a divine journey, then there is no reason for you to stop. Just like the three wise men, God’s hand may not be always visible, but He will guide you until you reach your destination.

The Lord has promised to complete the work He has begun in you and so faithful perseverance is one of the best treasures and acts of worship that you can offer before Him.

May honouring the Lord be always the end goal of our journey.

Dear Abba Father, Thank you for justice, hope and faith: gifts that you willingly gave to me through the birth of Jesus. Thank you that because of Him I can journey with confidence. That through the highs and lows, I have your hand as my guiding star to help me reach my destination. Help me to be obedient and to trust in you always. I surrender to you the control in my life. Please take charge. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen!

Micah Rose

Micah Rose grew up in extreme poverty in the Philippines. Through the ministry of Compassion International she was sponsored as a child and was able to complete a degree in Psychology. She is currently pursuing a Juris Doctor degree and aspiring to become a human rights lawyer to serve oppressed women and children. 

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Micah’s story is a beautiful reminder of the power of child sponsorship. Click here to find out more about sponsoring today.

Today’s compassion challenge is to buy a coffee, give a gift voucher or send a gift to a stranger. You could drop it on their front door, pay it forward at a petrol station or send someone an email with a Gift of Compassion for them.