Saturday, August 15, 2026From the news

Safe at Last: God's Deliverance in the Midst of Danger

In the release of missionary Kevin Rideout from captivity in Niger, we see God's faithful deliverance, reminding us of His nearness to those who cry out to Him in trouble.

The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.

Psalm 34:17-19 (NIV)

'Because he loves me,' says the Lord, 'I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.'

Psalm 91:14-16 (NIV)

Dear friend, in a world that often feels shadowed by uncertainty, today's news brings a ray of light and relief. Kevin Rideout, a U.S. missionary serving with SIM International in Niger, has been released after being kidnapped. The organization shared that he is in good health, now in the care of U.S. officials, and will soon be reunited with his family. What a moment of joy for his loved ones, who no doubt endured days or weeks of anxious waiting, hearts heavy with fear for his safety.

We can only imagine the terror of those moments in captivity—the isolation, the uncertainty, the longing for home. Yet here he is, safe. This story echoes the cries of so many who have faced peril for the sake of sharing the gospel, and it points us straight to the unchanging truth of God's Word. Psalm 34:17-19 tells us, 'The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.'

Kevin's release isn't just good fortune; it's a testament to the God who hears the cries of His people. Perhaps you've known your own seasons of trouble—maybe not kidnapping, but the grip of fear, illness, loss, or despair that holds you captive in spirit. Take heart, beloved. The Lord is near, especially when your heart aches most. He doesn't promise a trouble-free life, but He does promise deliverance, in His perfect timing and way. For Kevin, that meant freedom and reunion. For you, it might look different today—a whisper of peace in prayer, strength to face the day, or the embrace of a friend—but it's no less real.

And consider Psalm 91:14-16, where God declares, 'Because he loves me,' says the Lord, 'I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.' This is the assurance for every follower of Jesus who steps out in faith, whether across oceans as a missionary or in the quiet battles of everyday life. Kevin's love for Christ, expressed through his service in Niger, invited this divine protection. God was with him in the trouble, just as He promises to be with you.

In the hush of this morning, let the reality of these psalms wash over you. God sees you. He hears your unspoken prayers, the ones born from weary nights. The family waiting for Kevin must have clung to verses like these, trusting not in governments or negotiations alone, but in the sovereign hand of their Heavenly Father. Now, as reunion draws near, their faith is rewarded, glorifying the One who delivers.

But this good news isn't only for them—it's for us all. It reminds us that Jesus, our ultimate Deliverer, faced the greatest captivity of all: sin and death on the cross. Through His resurrection, He broke every chain, offering us freedom eternal. If you're carrying a burden today, cry out to Him. Rest in His nearness. He is close to your broken heart, saving those crushed in spirit. Let this story stir your trust: troubles may come, but deliverance is sure in Christ.

As you sip your coffee or step into your day, remember Kevin's safe return as a signpost pointing to God's mercy. You're not alone in your struggles. Jesus is with you always, rescuing, protecting, answering. Take heart, dear one—your loving Father is at work, even now.