Blessed are those whose strength is in You….

Psalm 84:5 NIV

The tiny pond needed fish and could provide the perfect habitat for Koi, those large multi-colored goldfish. Feeding them would provide such fun for the grandkids. The adventure began with four Koi fingerlings.

When the pond froze over, though, I assumed the fish would suffocate. When the pond dried to a large mud puddle, I assumed they would get stuck in the mud. When the summer temperature stayed at 110 degrees for a week, I assumed they would overheat. When we left on vacation and could not feed them, I assumed they would starve.

My assumptions all proved false. Those four little fish persevered through those hardships and have now produced multiple generations of offspring.

The fish in Egypt’s Nile River were not so fortunate when Moses and Aaron, under God’s direction, caused the river to turn to blood. Those fish died, and the river smelled so ghastly the Egyptians could not drink its water. In additional grand displays of power and sovereignty, God rescued His people and brought them into a land flowing with milk and honey, the Promised Land.

The Israelites faced many adversities in Egypt, adversities in their desert trek to the Promised Land, and adversities once again in captivity after abandoning their God. They even continued to face adversity within that Promised Land. Throughout all these hardships, though, God was faithful to preserve those who persevered in their faith in, and obedience to their one true God.

I will not worry, however, about the survival of their descendants like I did over those Koi. I will, though, faithfully intercede for the Lord to meet their daily needs, to protect them, and to preserve their nation, as well as a faithful remnant who will one day welcome the return of their long-awaited Messiah, Jesus Christ.

Father, thank you for being my source of resilience through your mercy and grace. Renew those who struggle today with despair. Refresh their hearts with hope in Your faithfulness. Provide us strength to persevere during the hard times and to acknowledge that this strength came from Your loving hands. Amen

Linda Lesniewski