Ruth

Dizon

Contributing Writer

Ruth Dizon serves as the Digital Engagement Specialist Coach for the Manila Prayer Center. She has been with CBN since 2016. She is happily married to Erik and mom to Idge, Robi and Sparky. She loves to cook and relax with her family over a cup of coffee while listening to music.

More from Ruth Dizon

Refuge in God's Protection

Having lived most of my life in safe, stable environments, I felt nothing less than secure and protected. My life was predictable, simple, monotonous even. It was like living in a bubble, one that never seemed to be in danger of popping.

But all bubbles have to pop eventually, and mine was no exception. It happened while I was managing our small family business. We were no stranger to neighborly animosity, but what we never expected of our business activities was to attract the attention of unscrupulous elements in the area. I became the target of veiled threats against my safety and security, all of which made me feel exposed and vulnerable. I was an especially easy target since I had a fairly predictable routine: leave home, drive to the office, pick up the kids at school—all in the same car, taking the same route, at the same time of the day, every day, like clockwork. I couldn’t even fathom the worst-case scenario, the thought of my kids having to live without a mother at such a young age.

The gripping fear I felt shook me to my very core, especially because this wasn’t some imaginary threat. It was real. It was imminent, and it was headed for us any day. Each second seemed like a second closer to my doom. My thoughts were a constant string of “Is there someone spying on the store? Am I being followed? Is today the day they finally get me?”

For the first time in my life, I felt the kind of gripping, paralyzing fear that stops you in your tracks and leaves you utterly breathless. Tears became my companion by day and at night, anxiety filled my heart to the brim.

Until I heard these words from the Word Himself:

Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge. (Psalms 16:1 Keep me safe, O God, for I have come to you for refuge. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) NIV)

I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer. Show me the wonders of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes. Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings from the wicked who are out to destroy me, from my mortal enemies who surround me (Psalms 17:6-9 I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as I pray. Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways. By your mighty power you rescue those who seek refuge from their enemies. Guard me as you would guard your own eyes.* Hide me in the shadow of your wings. Protect me from wicked people who attack me, from murderous enemies who surround me. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) )

These words rang in my head until they became a personal prayer, one which the Lord answered through means nothing short of miraculous. He sent us a friend whose brother was a devout Christian, passionate in influencing others for the Lord. God used him to solve the situation in ways we couldn’t even imagine, let alone anticipate. The would-be perpetrators were apprehended, their plans were thwarted, and we regained a sense of safety and security again. We were overcome with joy because of His unfailing love. He saw our troubles and heard the anguish of our souls. Under His wings, we found refuge and we were safe because of His mighty hands.

Is there something that’s making you anxious and afraid today? Whatever it is, release it and place it in the able hands of Jesus. He is the God who is always with us, He is right beside us, and we will not be shaken, come what may. We need not live in fear or dread of what is to come, for we can confidently trust the Lord to care for us (Psalms 112:7 They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the LORD to care for them. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) ). We can come to the Lord and He can keep us safe, for He is our refuge.

Trust Fund

"Your rent is expected to rise by 200% next month. Prepare to pay double for your unit.”

The broker's grim words laid heavy on my husband and me as first-year missionaries in Singapore. We were strangers in a foreign land, and now we couldn’t afford rent. Fear gripped me and questions flooded my mind. Where would we go? How could we afford to move? What about my children? Oh, Lord, help!

Life was relatively stable when we had our own place in the Philippines. During this time, we committed to spreading the Gospel through radio and obeying God by moving wherever He led. My husband, young boys ages nine and six, and I left the comfort and security of our home to embark on a missionary adventure to the island nation of Singapore. After a year on the island, rental costs began to skyrocket and affordable housing was suddenly scarce. Other ministry colleagues were forced to move out in search of lower-cost units, but we couldn't even cover the moving costs.

At this point, I wanted to cry out, "Lord, why have you brought us here?" But that was just it: He called us to this place. He would provide.

Soon after, my husband and I were surprised our landlord wanted to speak with us. It turned out that he wasn't going to raise our rent for the following year! In fact, God made a way for us to remain there for our entire missionary journey. Despite the modest financial support we received and the overall high cost of living, God blessed us with more than enough. I am happy to share that our kindhearted landlord eventually came to faith in Jesus Christ. In fact, God created a vibrant spiritual community there that continues to this day.

The Lord asked His disciples this question:

"When I sent you out to preach the Good News and you did not have money, a traveler’s bag, or an extra pair of sandals, did you need anything?” "No," they replied. (Luke 22:35 NLT)

I, too, confirm that my family and I needed for nothing and received complete provision from the Lord.

The Lord's abundant faithfulness is evident in each divine provision, big or small. His faithfulness gives one courage to face the unknown. His grace is always sufficient, and His timing is always perfect.

My husband and I are now about to embark on a new chapter in our journey—retirement. Although we recognize the uncertainty of the future, we know through experience that God is our Provider.

Scripture is quoted from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.