“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God…I will help you…” – Isaiah 41:10 (HCSB)
I recall the above verse (Isaiah 41:10) with gratitude. It was Wednesday, September 24, 2025, a regular day on the farm, only hot and very dry. We had completed clearing a one-acre plot in preparation for planting. Around that plot, the grass was dried brown from the sun. We decided to burn that patch, but the grass caught quickly and spread widely. Out of concern, we remained and watched the fire. Concern turned to alarm as the fire became uncontrollable. The smoke was thick and impenetrable. We began fetching water to pour on some areas to stem the spread, but to no avail.
Fear gripped me as I imagined the worst. All the structures nearby were in danger of being destroyed. Water was scarce, and the pond was some distance away. I walked away from the fire and found shelter under some trees, closed my eyes, and prayed. I do not know how long I remained there, but I opened my eyes to see what was happening. The fire had spread even further. Panic set in. A wooden fence separated our boundary from some cattle belonging to our neighbour. The fire was close to that fence. “God,” I said, as I closed my eyes again and said in desperation, “Send help quickly, or we are in deep trouble.”
I became aware of the downpour when I was almost soaked. That was the end of the fire. To God be all blessings, glory, and praise!
I share this testimony while recalling Psalm 40:1, and admitting to not being patient at all in waiting. There are times in our lives when patience may not be appropriate. We have to become desperate and lose ourselves in our cry for help. Our help comes from the name of the Lord Who watches over us day and night and keeps us from harm (Psalm 121). Truly we serve an extraordinary God!
Prayer
We praise You, Lord, for Your abundant goodness, Your mighty acts, Your unsurpassed greatness. There is none like unto You. You sustain the humble but cast out the wicked. You deliver us from the pit and set our feet on a rock. Great is Your faithfulness, Lord Jesus. Amen.
Read: Psalm 121:5; Psalm 145:1-2
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 119:9-16; 1 Thessalonians 2:17-20; 1 Thessalonians 3; Jeremiah 21; Jeremiah 22; Jeremiah 23:1-8