Going over the times of persecution during this journey has been helpful. It clarifies the roots of what I am today.

I know that some threads and bits of some of those events still cling to my memory.

Yet that is not the sole purpose of this journey.

I am more aware than ever about an amazing fact; I still serve Jesus. I survived the years of abuse. Sometimes I got through only barely. But emerge I did.

God doesn’t promise we will get through trouble with flying colours, just that we will not go through it without divine companionship. And so, like King David of old I say:

“I will honor you highly, O Lord,

because you have pulled me out {of the pit}

and have not let my enemies rejoice over me.

O Lord my God,

I cried out to you for help,

and you healed me.

O Lord, you brought me up from the grave.

You called me back to life

from among those who had gone into the pit.

Make music to praise the Lord,

you faithful people who belong to him.

Remember his holiness by giving thanks.

His anger lasts only a moment.

His favor lasts a lifetime.

Weeping may last for the night,

but there is a song of joy in the morning.

You have changed my sobbing into dancing.

You have removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy”

(Psalm 30:1-5, 11 God’s Word©)

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This Lent I am being led on a pilgrimage. I do not yet know if it is from persecution or to suffering or through both. Nevertheless the journey has begun.