Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Psalm 100:3
My feet hit the floor after I roll off my air mattress. I don’t know what the day holds. That’s the case for all of us, right? One thing I can be assured of, though, is that I know my God, and where the Shepherd leads, I want to be! My designated “sheep” spot in the world today is in Chicago. I’m on a mission trip with a group from my church. We are stepping out in faith. Wherever the Shepherd is, let His sheep be – showing others that we are His by following Him closely because we are His. Sheep never know how much walking they will do or where they will go. But they do know their Shepherd and follow.
We met at the park and divided into teams. Each team would go to a heavily-traveled area in Chicago and ask people, “Is there anything we can pray about for you today?” As I was walking to our destination, I was getting my heart prepared.
In Chicago, there are so many people with diverse cultures and backgrounds. I looked around me. Buildings were high and sirens were blaring. Darkness looms in many hearts here. Could I be a light on the corner of a busy street in Chicago with one simple question? I was about to find out. Thousands pass each other without ever saying a word. We arrived at our spot. We know that God made us; we are His. Through what we’re about to do, others will easily see that we are “the sheep of his pasture.” We huddled and prayed before beginning. The question was asked – numerous times! Wow! God used one little question to break down the walls of isolation that people build to separate themselves from others! Many let us pray for them!
At times, you saw pain in their eyes. We were thanked, ignored, and refused. When we did pray though, God brought us together as we called out to Him. We saw Hispanic, Polish, black, and white people – many people with many burdens – some voiced and some not. There’s such a lost world out there – so many lost sheep – who all need a Savior, a Shepherd for all times! We kept stepping forward to try to pray with them. Today, our “pasture” was made of concrete in the little spot of the world where our Shepherd called us.
What about you? Can others tell that you are His sheep – that you know Him, trust Him, and follow Him? I hope so, friends!
*****
Dear Heavenly Father, You love and care for us so! Let our every day reflect that we follow You and as Your sheep we willingly walk closely with You to bring great glory to You and show others that knowing and trusting You is our great passion! In Jesus’ Holy Precious Name. Amen!
About Cheris Gaston
thanks, cheris! praying for all of us that we can answer your question, “Can others tell that you are His sheep – that you know Him, trust Him, and follow Him?” with a joyful ‘yes!’ <3
Oh, my dear friend Cheris!!! Your heart for the Lord is soooo beautiful. I have always loved to read the words from your heart and now my girlfriends can read them too. I AM more than thankful for the Shepherd that leads us to the pasture where He needs us to dwell. Thank you and Danny for being willing to serve on your mission trip in Chicago and beyond. Love you, sister.
Oh, how I hope so for all of us, Coleen! Yes, let’s pray that way! And yes,Teresa, we’ll never tire of being thankful to our Shepherd Who so faithfully leads us who are His. Love you too, my dear friend.
Our Lord is so proud of His child! With great humility, your Mom is so proud and thankful for your work for Him, and your Dad would be extra proud of your gift for expressing your love for our Savior!
I love you, Mom, and also Dad, who has gone on before us. I thank God for the family and friends He’s placed in my life. And to all of us who are His, may we all follow God, our great Shepherd, ever so closely and go wherever He leads us to bring glory to Him and Him alone.He’s so worthy to be praised!!!(I’m just so thankful to be His! And that will never change!)How do I even exist or even do the simplest little thing of any worth? My only answer? In Christ alone! 🙂