LBW #355, "Through the Night of Doubt and Sorrow"
Devotion
Through the night of doubt and sorrow onward goes the pilgrim band,
Singing songs of expectation, marching to the promised land.
Clear before us through the darkness gleams and burns the guiding light;
Pilgrim clasps the hand of pilgrim stepping fearless through the night. (v.1)
Russell and Jeanette moved closer to their son and his family after retirement. The plan was to travel and enjoy their family. But Russell contracted stomach cancer. It was painful. One day his pastor came to visit in the hospital. “How are you handling all of this?” the pastor asked. Russell, a quiet man, looked out the window and then said, “Well, God took care of me yesterday; He’s taking care of me today; and I believe He’ll take care of me tomorrow, too.” He and Jeanttee walked hand in hand – with the rest of us – into God’s promised future. The Light led the way.
Prayer
Guide me ever, great Redeemer, pilgrim through this barren land. I am weak, but you are mighty; Hold me with your powerful hand. Bread of heaven, feed me now and evermore. (LBW #343, “Guide Me Ever, Great Redeemer”) Amen.