Legs and feet numbed due to uneven blood flow, I'd seesaw between, "Hope there were a shorter route," and, "This is probably the last of my travels!"
Yet, long travel times are the least worrisome of all.
How long has the Russian invasion of Ukraine been? Barely two months since February 24 this year. That's the more obvious war we've watched with bated breath these days; but to Ukranians, the Russian assault has been going on since 2014. That's 12 long years!
Ukranians must have been praying, "Stop already! I want to get off!" They certainly need our prayers.
Gives us a saner perspective on our travails or travels, doesn't it?
But who's to say your trouble is less of a headache than mine? All of us, at any one time, in any part of the world, are going through something. A burden which might be too heavy to bear!
A failed relationship. Rebellious children. An unbroken yet self-destructive habit. A deadly disease. All bound to get you dismayed, disillusioned or depressed.
Where can we run to for protection? Or escape?
Psalm 21:1-2 "I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and Earth."
The hill, or the highest mountain, cannot shield you. Nature itself may crumble on you. Strong winds or tsunamis may crush you.
Yet realize this: Jesus created everything. So everything is under His control! Even the rotation of the sun and the earth around it. Even your very breath. The rhythm of your heart. The electrons of your brain.
The great I AM, Alpha and Omega (Beginning and End) holds everything in between, and therefore possesses the power over our travels or travails, be they long or short, big or small.
John 16:16-24 "When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough... They saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. But He said to them, 'It is I; don’t be afraid.' Immediately, the boat reached the shore where they were heading."
Feel like you're traveling alone? Ask Jesus into your boat. He's the only one who can make your fear vanish into thin air.
The One who put creation into motion can even shorten the length of your agonizing wait.
And this is what we pray for—for the people of Ukraine. And for you who have become weary waiting for your miracle. For with God, nothing is impossible, Luke 1:37.
Prayer: Lord God, we cry out to you for the people of Ukraine, and for those who feel they have reached the end of their rope. You are Savior, Redeemer, Lord, Master of all of creation. Nothing is too difficult for you. You promised to save. And you will! This we pray in the mighty Name of Jesus.
