Sometimes the goodness of God shows up in such tangible ways it’s astounding. With all my heart I believe He sees, He knows, and He cares. I’ve believed this about Him in the dark and silent valleys. I’ve clung to this truth with a broken heart.

The promised presence of God has never failed me. When my wandering and restless thoughts try to take me captive or my impatient and immature faith begins to wane, the truth of God’s unchanging word holds me fast to the narrow way.

I want to show you a treasure.

But there are those times when Jesus steps into a place and takes you by the hand and says, “I want to show you how much I love you and how familiar I am with all your ways. I want to confirm to you that I honor your small and sometimes struggling faith and the steps you take toward Me. I know you are, but dust and you need my affirmation.”

I wandered into the tiny gift shop in a remote mountain lodge in Rwanda. I’ve never been to this beautiful and broken place before. It was the last night of a three-week ministry trip to Africa. I was exhausted, physically, and emotionally.

To be honest, it challenges me to go and give and receive where I have lost so much. I wrestle all over again with temporal loss and eternal gain. I feel the weight of the price paid to get to this place in my faith journey. I mourn and grieve along the way. If you don’t know me, my 27-year-old son died in Kenya in 2010. My testimony will always declare the redemptive power of Jesus but the hurt of my son’s loss is an ever-present reality this side of heaven.

A Treasure from Heaven

Various handmade items were spread out on a few shelves. The friendly shopkeeper encouraged me to support local women by making a purchase. I moved a few things around, and there it was, a priceless treasure placed there just for me!

Nestled among earrings and necklaces was a single paper bead bracelet with a name spelled across it. I did a double-take to make sure it was really the only one. Of all the names on a bracelet in an African souvenir shop, just this one:

James

I stood still and knew it was a personal gift from heaven, reminding me to keep trusting Jesus. Keep holding His hand and following His lead. He knows where I am, why I’m there, and what I need!

Thank you, Lord, for seeing, knowing, and caring personally for me. This expression of Your goodness humbles me. I’m strengthened by Your mercy following me every step of the way!