Blog post June 24, 2026

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:6

The idea of these attributes "following" suggests a relentless pursuit, indicating that God's blessings are not passive but actively seek out the believer. This assurance is rooted in the covenant relationship between God and His people.

The question is, what does this look like played out in our lives? On January 8, 1956, five American missionaries were speared to death by a tribe of warriors on a sandbar in the heart of the Ecuadorian jungle. These missionaries were trying to reach the unreached Waodani Indians with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The tragic news captured worldwide attention. Why would God allow such a horrible tragedy to befall those who loved and served Him? It seemed so senseless and sad. That might be true if the story ended there.

Two years after their deaths Elizabeth Elliott (Jim's widow) and Rachel Saint, went to live among the Waodani and resume the unfinished business the men had begun. For three years, the women lived among the people, learned their language, and shared the gospel. Over the next several years, most of the villagers decided to "walk a new trail" and converted to Christ. Among the new trail walkers were six men from the murder party, including their brutal leader.

The senseless tragedy turned into a redemptive story that inspired millions and prompted countless others to go into mission work. God's goodness and mercy are at work in a million different ways in each of our lives. Until we have completed our trail, we need to pray for eyes to see all the ways His goodness and mercy are chasing after us.

Heavenly Father when we look at life with short sighted vision we often fail to see the ways Your goodness and mercy are following us. We find ourselves saying "God is good" when things happen that fit into our definition of good. Thank you for the truth of this verse even when it doesn't feel good. Thank you that You see the big picture. Help us to trust and believe based upon Your character rather than our temporary circumstances. In Jesus name. AMEN AMEN