The hand of our God

           was on us,

and He delivered us

  from the hand of the enemy

and from ambushes by the way.

                Ezra 8. 31

(The view from the rearview mirror

           reveals His deeper purposes.

His blessing,

His protection,

His provision

    even in that which

    we are not aware.

His goodness,

His mercy,

His redeeming

    even in what

    is not so obvious

                       yet.)

O LORD,

We all struggle with something.

Please help us

    to not just follow Your way in this,

    but to follow You,

to seek You,

to be faithful to You

   even when it is uncomfortable,

   inconvenient,

   even when it costs our glory

                     for Your glory.

Help us to trust You

     in the hard parts,

     through enemy territory,

Your name as a banner

                over us

not just to guide us

but to point others to You.