Unexpected in Cambodia
“For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to a kingdom for such a time as this?”
Esther 4:14 (ESV)
This past Christmas touched a sacred place in my soul. There is one word that describes the events that took place - UNEXPECTED. My husband and I traveled to Cambodia– just the two of us– to celebrate the birth of Christ with people very dear to us. I believe God gently placed this on my heart several years ago, and wow! God met us there with circumstances I was not prepared for. Although I looked forward to this different type of December, there were people, traditions, and comforts I chose to lay aside. (If I’m being honest, I missed those.) Still, we shared beautiful fellowship and joy with our friends and students, allowing us to enjoy the fruit of His work through us that began in 2013.
Unfortunately, a few days into our extended stay, war broke out. Through the harsh attacks of F-16 bombings and heavy military power, Thailand began invading a helpless Cambodia. The country, 95% Buddhist and with a limited military, felt frightened, oppressed, and even hopeless. I have never been in a war-torn country during escalation, and to say it was frightening is an understatement. A children’s home we love and support was forced to evacuate and relocate twice because of heavy bombing. An estimated 700,000 people were displaced and fled to refugee camps just a few hours from our location. As someone who values security, calm surroundings, and peace, I’ll confess on more than one occasion I was checking in with the US Embassy, State Department, and airline, considering an early departure. Sleep eluded me for several consecutive days.
But…I sensed God’s leading us to stay. It was like an invitation to live out what we believe about God. Did we truly trust Him with our circumstances and the timing of us being in Cambodia? I could not shake the desire to stay, despite what may happen. I could not imagine telling our loved ones we were leaving. I clung to God and His character, just like I have learned to do throughout my adult life. I found He didn't leave us alone, and for that I am so grateful.
So we stayed and asked friends and family back home to pray with us. Staying was not about us being brave or courageous, instead about working through the tension of fear and obedience. It was about standing firm with God by our side when our security was threatened. It’s now easy to recognize God had placed us there and entrusted us for such a time.
We were given the privilege to see God at work in powerful ways. Jesus was being shared in the refugee camps, and resources were being deployed, almost miraculously. The children’s home and school were protected from damage, and the children and staff were all kept safe. I was given the opportunity to minister to a young woman who cares for the children we serve. Eighteen Cambodian soldiers were released, and just two days before our scheduled departure, a cease fire was agreed upon! This was a blessing, since I was wondering how we could leave while war raged on and was moving deeper into this beautiful country, threatening people we have come to love.
After a few days to rest and re-center at home, it was time to jump back into my Bible study lesson, at the book of Esther, chapters 3-7, to be exact. I once again came face to face with recognizing the sovereignty of God. The study commentary became a deep reflection of what I could not yet put into words about our timing in Cambodia. Why not last Christmas or next Christmas? The timing does not surprise God, and I remain overwhelmed by the situation we were in. I reflect, and ask you to wonder - how much of the world lives in war or with the constant threat of unrest? It is humbling.
I encourage you to look at your current circumstances, struggles, and unknown future through the lens of Esther 4:14: Could God be calling you to be still in obedience, when your questions have no answers or the outcome looks dire? Where are you weary? If so, I pray you turn to God and seek Him, and may you get a glimpse of just how good and sovereign our God is.
Like Mary in the Christmas story:
“I will keep all these things in my heart and treasure them.” (Luke 2:19)
Dear Father God,
Thank you for the lesson, once again, to trust in You. I pray for the readers who may struggle with Your goodness and sovereignty in their life right now. Draw near to each one. I pray for the children, our friends, and the people of Cambodia and Thailand. Would you open doors for the salvation message of Christ and eternal hope to be shared? Thank you, Oh Lord, I am forever marked and grateful by this experience of trusting You and Your faithfulness. You have been so tender and kind, once again. In Jesus Name. Amen.
If this devotion has spoken to you, I would love to hear how by leaving a comment below or emailing me tracyarntzen@gmail.com.