The girl, Jordanny*, sat on my lap on the crowded bus, at first holding onto the seat in front of her as the bus made its way down the rocky, muddy hill with jolts and bumps. I prayed silently for her. She started to hold my hands instead of the seat. When it got really bumpy and we jolted with each rough spot, I held her tightly so she wouldn’t fall off the seat. She peacefully looked out of the window, as the beautiful passing scenery of the mountains and jungle passed by. The mountains were covered in mist and the hills were covered with green trees, vines, and lots of colorful flowers.
I smiled as butterflies sauntered past; small, dark and brightly colored, God reminding me He was there. We arrived at the church. Jordanny sauntered off the bus, care free, unaware of any needs, because she trusted she was safe. Papa whispered to me to trust Him, just as carefree as I saw Jordanny walking. That she didn’t look for me, she didn’t depend on another single person. She just knew she was safe; free, knowing her Heavenly Father, her Papa was looking out for her.
As the crowd walking to the church pushed forward, I lost sight of Jordanny. But she was okay, because her Papa was looking out for her. He reminded me not to depend on other people for safety, care, love or security. But to look to Him for these things. My Papa, who was always there with me, looking out for me, even when people failed me, as they would because we, humanity, are not perfect.
Even if I lost sight of Him for a moment, He would never lose sight of me, because He is my perfect, loving, All-Seeing, All Knowing Papa.
The sun shines on my face as I write this on our front porch in Bolivia. God whispering and nudging me: Yes, my daughter, this is true. I am always here with you. You are getting it now. The sun shines brighter. Another part of the body of Christ takes Jordanny’s hand. God always places others there when we need them; when we need Him. The body of Christ has Christ inside of them. And though we may fail, He will never fail us.
The sun shines even brighter, scorchingly bright even; God telling me His love burns for me, His compassion for me never fails. I look out over the mountains, amazed; I feel God holding me tightly in His arms, as Lila, my new teammate, plays soothing tunes of God’s love on her guitar.
Lamentations 3:22 Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
*Note- The story is real;names have been changed to protect other’s identity and safety.
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