Also in Harbin, China…

“The Lord is my shepherd.” Psalm 23:1 “Not was, not may be, nor will be. ‘The Lord IS my shepherd,’ IS on Sunday, IS on Monday, and IS through every day of the week; IS in January, IS in December, and every month of the year; IS at home, and IS in China; IS in peace, and IS in war; in abundance, and in poverty.”  ~ J. Hudson Taylor (Missionary to China)

This quote was in my reading this morning in Rose Downing’s original copy of “Streams in the Desert” by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman. Grandma Downing, my husband Rich’s grandmother, was also a missionary to China ~ twice! She went first in 1907 as a 20-year old single woman. She returned again as a wife to Edward Downing, and while there became the mother of Dyer Downing, my husband’s father.

In 2009, I wrote a note in the margin of today’s reading ~ “In Harbin China 2009.” I find it humbling to have served where Hudson Taylor, Grandma Downing, and many others also served so many years before me. Five years ago today, I was in Harbin with two wonderful Chinese young men, Jusper and Rock ~ students who traveled there with me.  We were enjoying very cold weather, amazing ice carvings and snow sculptures, and visiting the Siberian Tiger Park. I love my memories of that trip! (At the end of this post, you can see just a few pictures of that adventure.)

I read the devotional this morning and saw my own note along with with one that Grandma Downing had written in the opposite margin many years ago.  How wonderful to be reminded that no matter where we may be in life (young, old, rich, poor, happy, sad) or on this earth (China, America, Russia, South Africa), if we are His, He still remains our loving Shepherd, providing all that we need! Our needs are so varied. We are complex creations of God. We need not only food, water, and shelter, but we also need love, joy, peace, rest, companionship, comfort, strength, and wisdom ~ the list is endless!

What did He provide for me in China? A deeper relationship with Him, a greater trust in Him, a broader view of the world, relationships that continue to this day, just to name a few. And what did He provide for me in Harbin? Memories, adventures, a greater joy at His creativity as expressed through His creation, and a slow smile that still comes to my face five years later!  It’s a provision that keeps on coming to me!

Read and remember what He has provided, is providing, and will provide for you!

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.
3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil;

For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.