Guide My Steps
Before venturing down the Amazon River in Brazil, I sat down with the Rev. Djard Moraes, pastor of Manaus Presbyterian Church, and the captain of our ship, and we prayed, “Lord, which river would you have us choose today?”
On this trip to Brazil, that simple but powerful prayer was evident through one man’s healing. We worked our way up a small tributary of the Amazon River and we did our usual ministry providing medical and dental care on the ship and spreading the Gospel of Christ.
As the sun began to set and darkness enveloped us, the captain was maneuvering our ship through the dark forest rivers. Suddenly, we saw a light off in the jungle, which never happens. We sent out a team to explore the light and discovered a man who was desperately ill. We just so happened to have the medicine on our ship that was needed in order to save his life. The man lived because we prayed and sought the Lord for His direction for that day.
Before we begin our day, our prayer should be Psalm 119:34-36:
“Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart. Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain.”
Each day we have many choices and decisions we must make—to turn to the right, to the left or go straight ahead. Let us decide today to pray and seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance, which will never lead us astray.
