LET ME NOT BE THE SAME

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.

I have taken an oath and confirmed it, 
that I will follow your righteous laws.

I have suffered much; preserve my life, O Lord, 
according to your word.

Accept, O Lord, the willing praise of my mouth, 
and teach me your laws.

Though I constantly take my life in my hands, 
I will not forget your law.

The wicked have set a snare for me, 
but I have not strayed from your precepts.

Your statutes are my heritage forever; 
they are the joy of my heart.

My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end.”

Psalm 119:105-112

            My friend Beverly told me I should pray about going with a group my pastor was taking to minister in Russia.  I told her there was no way I could afford to go, but that I would pray about it.  I prayed, “Lord, if you want me to go to Russia, make it obvious to me. Maybe you could drop the $2,500 in my lap.”  Just a few weeks later, my friend Brenda invited me to have dinner with her fiancé, his mother, and another friend of ours.  After we all gathered at her home, she announced that she no longer felt that she should go on the Russia trip since she and Chuck were getting married only a month before.  She said she had been praying about what to do with the money she had set aside for that purpose; and she believed God said, “Send Susie.” As you can clearly see, I had no choice but to obey God and go to Russia.

            In Russia I met people who had followed Christ even when the wicked set a snare for them.  I found people who were willing to take their lives in their hands to continue to lead others to the Lord.  I discovered people who truly understood that God’s word is a heritage to be treasured and enjoyed.  I saw children eagerly stand in line to get a Bible. 

            I went to Russia to share the gospel with children and teenagers and to minister to the Russian people.  Because of their ministry to me, I came away from Russia more determined than ever to set my heart on “keeping your decrees to the very end.”  May I never take God’s word for granted again!