As I sat down to write of today’s events out on Care-A-Van, I took a moment to give thanks to our good Lord for the blessings he has given me. I thanked him for keeping the rain away today as we went out to minister and to provide for those in need.
As the hustle and bustle of our Saturday morning started, we got busy visiting and sharing with folks. There are so many hurting people on the streets in Batavia. As we listened to the stories, it really makes one be thankful for what we do have. Can you imagine losing your home in a fire and living in your car for two months? Can you imagine having someone break into your home and steal all your precious belongings?
Can you imagine losing your job and not having any idea where you will get money to pay for rent and food? Can you imagine having your loved one being in prison?
Yes we heard all the above today. We prayed for them all. God brought hope to the people in Batavia today. I thought of scripture today:
Romans 4:
13It was not through law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. 14For if those who live by law are heirs, faith has no value and the promise is worthless, 15because law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression.
16Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham's offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. 17As it is written: "I have made you a father of many nations."[c] He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were.
18Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, "So shall your offspring be."[d] 19Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah's womb was also dead. 20Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. 22This is why "it was credited to him as righteousness." 23The words "it was credited to him" were written not for him alone, 24but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.
We go forth bringing hope to those on the streets. We as Care-A-Van believe in our Lord.
We believe God has the power to do what he promised. It is so hard for some folks to comprehend this. No matter what one is going through, whether it be the victim of a robbery, a victim of losing your home to a fire, losing your job and all other hurts, God will be there for them and all of us. He is right there every minute. God also provides loving people here on earth to bring that hope and light to all. As you come to the end of reading today’s event, I encourage you to look within yourself. What blessings has God given you lately? What blessings and encouragement can you share with others today? Are you standing firm through the battle and storms of your life today? Do you believe God will keep his promises? God kept that promise to provide when he brought his dream of Care-A-Van to Batavia. God knew all along the plans he had to bring hope and revival to this city. Now I call that a miracle in itself! Thank you to all who keep believing in the promises and partnering with the Lord through Care-A-Van to bring the shining light and freedom to all!
Robin Walters
Care-A-Van Ministries
March 7, 2009
