God of Redemption - Encouragement for Today - October 7, 2026
Encouragement for Today
Audio By Carbonatix
Crosswalk.com
October 7, 2026
God of Redemption
Lyda Giedd
“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!” (Isaiah 49:15, NIV).
My mother could not provide for me and protect me at the same time.
As a single mom in Cambodia, she worked hard and often had to leave me home alone. When I was 4 years old, her sister-in-law kidnapped me. I was terrified and cried so hard. Thankfully, a Christian couple soon found me and rescued me, returning me to my mother.
Shortly after, my absent father gambled away our house, leaving my mother and me homeless. I felt unlovable, and I hated my father for the pain he caused.
Unable to provide for both of us and feeling she had no other choice, my mother sent me to live with my uncle and his Christian family when I was 5 years old. My uncle became like a true father to me. He modeled Christian values and took care of me even though I felt like an outsider.
But it wasn’t until I was 12 years old that a simple gift opened my heart to Jesus. Our church held a special outreach event with worship, games, and a gospel presentation. At the end, every child received an Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift!
This was my first gift ever. When I asked where the shoebox came from, I was told that it came from people who love God. I was amazed that someone from the other side of the world, who did not know me, cared enough to pack a gift just for me. It made me feel cherished, and it opened my heart to what God was teaching me.
God has used faithful people to rescue me throughout my life and point me to the true Savior I needed most. The Bible is clear that even if the very people who are supposed to care for me forget me, God never will: “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!” (Isaiah 49:15). There is nothing that can separate you or me from God’s love.
After experiencing the Father’s love for me, I learned to forgive those who hurt me, just as Christ forgives us. Forgiving other people who wrong or hurt us isn’t easy. Sometimes it even seems impossible. But that’s exactly what God did for us, and it’s what He asks us to do for others (Colossians 3:13).
Even today, I find myself experiencing brokenness that requires grace and forgiveness. When I feel overwhelmed and unable to grant mercy, I ask the Lord for the strength to forgive so that I can live freely and glorify Him.
Lord, You are my Savior, my perfect Father. You never forget me, and You are so gracious to forgive me. Help me again to forgive those who hurt me. Please use my life to showcase Your love and mercy to others. In Jesus’ name, amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
Receiving an Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift was a defining moment in Lyda Giedd’s life. After receiving her shoebox gift in Cambodia, Lyda was trained to be a teacher for the follow-up discipleship program, “The Greatest Journey,” and witnessed the very children whom she taught also become disciple-making teachers of the same program! Today Lyda shares about the impact of Operation Christmas Child and “The Greatest Journey.”
When you participate in Operation Christmas Child, you share God’s love and gospel message with children around the world. Prayerfully donating to Operation Christmas Child will help bring the eternal hope of Jesus Christ to children, their families, and their communities.
- $6 sends a child through “The Greatest Journey,” Operation Christmas Child’s 12-week discipleship course.
- $10 covers project costs and provides for ministry materials like “The Greatest Gift” Gospel Booklet.
- $30 builds an online shoebox that goes to the ends of the earth to children in some of the hardest-to-reach places.
ENGAGE
Keep up with Operation Christmas Child on Facebook, Instagram, and X!
FOR DEEPER STUDY
Psalm 9:9-10, “The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you” (NIV).
How does this verse encourage you, knowing the Lord will never forsake you, even when you might feel forgotten?
Where in your life are you experiencing brokenness right now that requires much grace and forgiveness?
What next steps can you take to allow the Lord to be your refuge and give you strength to fill a void for those around you who might feel forgotten? Share with us in the comments!
© 2026 by Lyda Giedd. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
