“Your Word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” — Psalm 119:105
Survival Skills
Athletes who compete for the Navy, Army and Air Force Academy demonstrate incredible stamina and intelligence as they do schoolwork, practice and squeeze in responsibilities associated with being enlisted in the U.S. Armed Services.
As we navigate the virus crisis, we are inspired by the overcomers who serve faithfully in the military. When they go through basic training, they learn to thrive in impossible situations. They hear the sound of reveille at four o’clock in the morning. When the bugle blows, they can’t hit the snooze button. They have another day of wilderness training ahead. The Sargent pushes their unit until they collapse with exhaustion. They run a grueling obstacle course and deal with snakes and coyotes. Their rations keep them alive but the men and women tighten their belt to keep their pants from falling down because they may lose 10 pounds of body fat during training.
When God rescued the Israelites and led them out of Egypt, Moses and the people didn’t know how they would make it. Some people wished to go back to Egypt, but God showed them His amazing ability to guide and provide. “By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night” (Exodus 13:21).
When a host of men, women and children walked across a barren wilderness, God proved His power over and over again. The Lord kept them safe and healthy until they entered the Promised Land. Throughout their journey, God brought underground water up through rock and sent food down from Heaven. The manna kept coming regularly until they entered Canaan. “The manna stopped the day after they ate this food from the land; there was no longer any manna for the Israelites, but that year they ate the produce of Canaan” (Joshua 5:12).
Since we have food, shelter and transportation, we see God’s provision daily. “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). The Great Provider wants us to follow His guidance by reading and obeying what He says. The Bible gives perfect wisdom. “Your Word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (Psalm 119:105).
— Bill Kent, Pastor of Memorial Baptist Church, Sylvania, Ga.
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