And Gedaliah swore to them

  and their men, saying,

"Do not be afraid

because of the Chaldean officials.

Live on the land

and serve the king of Babylon,

and it shall be well with you."

               2 Kings 25. 24

(Not where or what

      we would choose.

But stay at your post,

live faithfully,

seek the welfare

      of unlikely people,

      unusual situations,

      unexpected places

where God has

   strategically put us.

Bring the gospel there,

sing over it

   the name of the Lord,

work His grace

       into the ordinary,

sow bountifully

     His steadfast love.

There is always

    much more at stake,

that of which

  we are totally unaware.)

O LORD,

You never promised

life would be easy,

but that You are with us,

guiding,

providing,

covering us by Your Presence.

Walk with us,

that we may know You more

and serve You

          in tangible ways

    to bless others

that they may see

   You are our

       strength and salvation.

Help us choose

    to live like that.