Friend, today I want to share a story with you. There was an old lady who lived far away from the city. She did not have any family living with her, and she was living all alone. For every blessing or anything that happened in her life, she used to pray loudly and say, “Thank You, Jesus, for this.” Her neighbours did not have the same faith. One neighbour was planning some way to make fun of her and to test her faith. One day, this old lady prayed in a loud voice, “Lord, I need all these groceries. I need rice, I need fruits, I need vegetables, all these I need for me to eat.” The neighbour listened to all that and said, “Yes, this is the right time. I am going to make a trick on her.” He noted down all the things, went to the grocery store, bought everything, and kept it in front of her house.

He rang the bell and ran away from there. The old lady opened the door and saw the bag full of groceries. She was so happy and said, “Jesus, thank You for all these things that I wanted.” At that moment, the neighbour ran out and said, “See, old lady, I tricked you. Jesus did not get this for you; I bought it for you.” Immediately, the old lady replied, “Jesus, thank You for all these groceries. You gave me all that I wanted, and You even made the devil pay for it.” The neighbour was so upset, and he went away to his house. This is just a funny story to encourage your faith.

Yesterday, you might have been trusting in the Lord and finding refuge in Him in whatever situation you are facing. Today, if you are lost, run towards Him, and the Lord will be your strong refuge. That is what the Bible says in Isaiah 25:4: “You have been a refuge for the poor, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat.” Yes, the Lord is your shade, my dear friend. In this harsh world where we are so uncertain, the Lord will be your protection. Submit your life and submit the life of your children into the hands of Jesus.

PRAYER: 
Dear Lord, You are my strong refuge and my safe shelter in every storm. When fear, uncertainty, and weakness surround me, help me to run toward You. Strengthen my faith to trust in Your divine provision and perfect timing. Teach me to thank You even before the miracle comes. Protect my life and the lives of my children under Your mighty shadow. Be my shade in the heat and my shelter in every trouble. Thank You for never forsaking me, Lord. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.