Joe Maschhoff
International President

There’s a white couch in our living room that’s become my favorite spot in the early mornings. I read a bit of Scripture (right now I’m working my way through Luke) and I journal about what God might be speaking to me through it. An open question for me over the last 15 months has been, “Lord, what do you want me to trust you for?” 

He is nudging me towards some key things related to our movement that I’d like to share with you over time. But for now, let me tell you about a personal lesson He keeps bringing me back to. 

In this role I face some difficult decisions. But He reminds me again and again of His promise:

“…He is a Shield for all who take refuge in Him” (2 Samuel 22:31b).

There are no prerequisites or conditions for that protection, except that I would choose to take refuge in Him. Of course, this also means that I must choose not to take refuge in the many lesser things I might be drawn to: my own “wisdom,” people-pleasing, fear of failure, and all sorts of other flawed and fruitless motivations. I must abandon those things in a single strategy of protection—take refuge in Him!

I get to choose where I “take refuge” and the promise is clear, He will be my Shield. Not just any Shield. The best Shield. Why would I go anywhere else?

I invite you to join me in choosing to take refuge in Him. To abandon all other false shields.

He can take care of us.