** YOU, Lord !!! **

"Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure" (Psalm 16:5).

"You, Lord. Do we fully comprehend the beauty of this relationship? Almighty God, Creator, Alpha and Omega, is our Lord. "You have assigned me" This great God has taken our position in life as a serious matter of concern! He has gone so far as to assign our cup. God's beautiful plan for our lives is completely known to Him.

"But," we complain, "my cup is not as glamorous as another's. My portion is bitter." Remember, God assigned that which comes to us. If He assigns, then He also equips!

For 12 years, I have been a missionary to Japan - a culture far different from that of the West. Although outwardly Western, Japan is inwardly very Eastern. Life here for me has been a perfecting process. I have cried more, hurt more and been more burdened during this missionary journey than in any other time of my transient life. My portion and my cup have been assigned. I know beyond any doubting that the perfecting process, though often slow, is taking place.

The psalmist goes on, "You have made my lot secure." Since our Lord has assigned us, we may rest perfectly secure. Whatever is poured into our cup comes from His boundless love's supply. What a source of comfort, healing and strength this knowledge gives.

Neither shrink in the face of trial or suffering nor be carefree in the face of blessing. Your cup and portion have been assigned, All has come to you from your Father's loving hand." JANICE KROPP