For God watches how people life; he sees everything they do. No darkness is thick enough to hide the wicked from his eyes. Job 34:21-22
Chetra lives in the Southeast Asian country of Cambodia, but his story could have taken place in any culture, anywhere in the world.
Chetra’s father was a pleasant, popular man when he was outside of the family home—but inside was a different story. As a young boy, Chetra struggled to do his schoolwork quickly. His father stood over him with a whip. He used it freely when Chetra couldn’t do his math sums fast enough for his father’s liking.
But more painful than the whippings were the verbal assaults. “You’ll never amount to anything,” his father yelled, calling him name after name. For decades, Chetra buried the pain deep inside. He says, “My memories from my past haunted me—violence, disrespect, no hope.”
One day, a Christian friend of his encouraged him to listen to a Christian radio station. As he listened, he heard Bible verses that spoke directly to him. He learned that “ … God watches how people live; he sees everything they do. No darkness is thick enough to hide the wicked from his eyes” (Job 34:21-22), and that “He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds” (Psalm 147:3). Chetra realized that God had seen every injury and wanted to bring healing.
As God’s light and love flooded the darkness in Chetra’s heart, his life began to change. Day after day, Chetra kept listening and learning more about God’s heart and His ways. Chetra says, “By hearing God’s Word, I experienced transformation in my life. My heart, my hope, and my commitment to following God have all been restored.”
God’s message of justice, of hope and healing is for all, but all have not heard. You can help send the message of hope in Jesus through devotionals like this to millions around the world in their own languages. Give a gift today at guidelines.org.
