Indoor plumbing...

I have long been an admirer of those hearty adventurers who set out from the already difficult, (by our standards,) life in the more settled areas of the country to venture into the wilds of the trails leading west.  Many of them were quite naive about the realities, thinking it would be a simple thing to cross prairies filled with overgrown grasses, not understanding how the lack of trees and water would impact their health and the progress of their journey.  Illness was rampant, and there were no modern medical facilities, filled with antibiotics and intensive care to bring them back to life when they were mortally wounded or ill.  And even if they survived the health woes, there was the danger of wildlife and the current inhabitants to threaten their security.  No running water?  No indoor toilets?  No morning shower?

I couldn't have done it.  If I had tried, I would have died before I was an hour out on the trail, no doubt.  I am not hearty.  I get sick at the whiff of a germ.  I am clumsy and fall.  And frankly, I am not all that brave, either.  What is that old saying?  The coward dies a million deaths, the brave die but once?  Ya.  I am one of life's cowards.  And I will admit it - I like indoor plumbing.  I would have been toast.

Except that I have the assurance of my Savior that he is always with me.  In Deuteronomy 31:6, we take comfort from these words:

Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

These words, spoken after the Israelites had wandered in the wilderness for 40 years, were a welcome assurance that God had a plan, and they were part of it.

Even though I don't face the tribulations of the long ago pioneers, I do face my own trials each day.  We have to deal with things they never dreamed of, and our modern life would  perhaps cause them as much worry, in its own way, as their more rudimentary existence would cause us.  But the promise remains for all of us, whatever our life circumstances.  God is with us.  Yesterday.  Today.  Tomorrow.  Unfailing.  Forever.

Dear Lord, I am filled with gratitude that no matter where I am or what I am doing, I can call on you at any time, and you are right there.  No one, and nothing, will ever take away the comfort of your healing presence, and for that, I give thanks.  It fills me with courage to know you are with me, and your plan is perfect.  Amen.