Verse of the Day - Isaiah 41:13

For I hold you by your right hand-- I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you...' ~ Isaiah 41:13 (NLT)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I got an email yesterday from a friend, saying, "I was talking to God this morning, and as I was listening to Him, He said....", and I just had to smile! This is a person who is really latching onto the joy of an honest, open relationship with God. What a beautiful picture of the intimacy He desires with all of us! He says, I'm right here, my child. Hold my hand, 'cause I'm holding onto yours...

But how many times are we like the toddler who doesn't want to hold their parent's hand as they walk? My daughter was always trying to squirm out of my grasp and walk defiantly on her own when she was little. As a parent or guardian of a small child, we know that if we don't hold onto their hand, they are at risk -- they just don't know the dangers in a crowded mall, on a busy street, or on a steep hill. As they walk alongside us and experience the blessings in life, we teach them and develop a deeper relationship with them. They learn to trust us and enjoy the safety of the one in charge.

When we submit to walking with God, holding His hand, we enjoy safety and security in His presence. And that security goes far beyond the physical realm -- it's a spiritual and relational security that isn't shaken by physical trials -- or doesn't have to be. When you read God's word, you find all sorts of stories of people who walked with God, yet had terrible difficulties in this life. But we can be tempted to assume that God has let go of our hand when cancer comes, or we're involved in a bad car accident and left in a wheelchair. We can so easily think it's an indication or sign somehow of God's abandonment. Please be encouraged by the saints of old -- Joseph of the Old Testament, David, Daniel, Jeremiah, Stephen, Paul, John... These men faced tremendous challenges in this life -- some even to the death -- yet, they knew God was at their right hand. And they didn't let go...

The Jewish leaders were infuriated by Stephen’s accusation, and they shook their fists at him in rage. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand. And he told them, “Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand!”

Then they put their hands over their ears and began shouting. They rushed at him and dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. His accusers took off their coats and laid them at the feet of a young man named Saul.

As they stoned him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” He fell to his knees, shouting, “Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!” And with that, he died. ~ Acts 7:54-60 (NIV)

I pray that today, as you go about your business, you can enjoy your walk with God, holding onto His hand, resting in His security, listening and learning from Him, knowing that you are never alone, with Him by your side. Even when you face hardships, know that God has not abandoned you. Just as Stephen was secure in his relationship with God even as the stones were being thrown at him, you can be sure that God is with you, holding your hand. And if you're resisting His hand, wanting to walk on your own like a defiant toddler, please know that we are fallen creatures with limited vision. Walking our own way will always end us up in trouble. Choose wisdom and hold onto God's hand. He'll never steer you wrong...

Love,
Joelene