Trip to Guadalajara
When I was about twelve years old I took a trip with my dad to Guadalajara, Mexico. I was returning to the place of my birth and visiting my childhood friends. Since my dad was going to be returning to Mexico in two weeks, he decided to let me extend my stay. I was to be staying with three different families during the two weeks he was gone.
I had a lot of fun playing with my friends and eating some of the Mexican candy that I loved and missed in the States. We went sight seeing and swimming. I have such great memories of that time!
Horror
Finally it came time to go to the third family’s home. I was driven to their house and I was really excited to spend time with these friends as well. While the grown ups went inside to visit, the kids sat on the porch to get reacquainted. I didn’t really notice at first, but finally I saw what one of the boys was playing with. “What is that?” I looked at it in horror. It was a human skull. In fact, they not only had the skull, but other bones as well. “Oh, yes,” they told me, “Some kids dug it up in the ditch right over there.” I don’t really remember anything after that except that I didn’t stay at that family’s house and was scolded for offending them, though in my shock I don’t think I explained why I was scared to stay there.
A Child’s Answer to Prayer
That night, alone in my room, I was so scared that I couldn’t sleep. I was even too scared to turn the light off. I prayed, but I was still just petrified. Finally, I got my Bible, and not knowing where to start, I asked the Lord to help me. I told Him I was going to read until I wasn’t scared any more. Then I began reading in Psalms. I didn’t have to read very far. I got to Psalm 4:8 “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety,” and I reread it several times. Even as a child I was in awe at God’s direct answer to my prayer and care of me. I put my Bible down, turned off the light, and went right to sleep.
Even today if ever I’m scared I recite this verse to my self. For wherever I am, no matter how seemingly safe or unsafe, “Thou Lord only makes me dwell in safety.”
After living in South Korea for 1-1/2 years, I visited the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). This is an active war zone. It is here that both the North and South/American troops patrol, and there are more ‘skirmmishes’ there than people know. We could see–just several hundered feel from us–North Korea soldiers.
By the time I left, I was scared to death. I had lived under the threat of war there (tensions got VERY high a couple of times), but it became real and personal that day. That night, uncharacteristically, I could not fall asleep. God led me to the same passage, reminding me that I was just as safe as I had always been, because my safety was dependent on Him.
Though I’m still MIGHTY grateful for those who guard that line. It’s a greater sacrifice than most of us will ever understand.
–J-Dub
After reading my story, my mom said that was the same verse that comforted her as a child as well. We are so sheltered in this country. I am grateful! May we not take that for granted! Thank you so much for reading and for sharing your story!
Sounds great Beth – Can’t wait to read it!
That reminds me of the first time I really remember a prayer being directly answered when I was a child. Maybe I’ll write about that someday soon. Answered prayer is awe inspiring.
It never ceases to amaze me when God answers a prayer so directly. Sometimes the scripture just leaps off the page and it feels like it was written for me. Well… I suppose it was. 🙂
I found your blog on MBC – and I’m your newest subscriber!
No matter what frightens a child, if it is then that the Lord becomes his/her Shelter, then that will be a memory not soon to be forgotten. If that child becomes an adult who trusts God – then how marvellous is that! For God never changes, He is the same yesterday, today and forever. Our Shelter and Hiding Place.
Kim, I am always amazed as well! Even when His answer is no! 🙂
Lynn, Well said! Thank you so much for your input!
That’s really neat! It’s so amazing to see the Lord work like that! <3
I love it when God answers prayers just like that! That is truly amazing. I had a similar experience during a very dark hour in my life as well. The book of Psalms is a blessing to the soul.