He Has Me Covered

I am the LORD, I have called you in righteousness, I will also hold you by the hand and watch over you. Isaiah 42:6

Each of us wants to know that we are not alone in this life. When I first began this journey with God two years ago, God brought a person into my life to encourage and instruct me. She metaphorically took my hand and said, "I will walk with you." All along, I have appreciated her wisdom and counsel. It has made a huge difference in my life.

How precious it is then for me to read this verse and see God's tenderness toward me as well. While these words originally pertained to Christ, they are whispered to each of us as believers. I sense a gentleness in God's voice as He reassuringly says, "I have called you, I will hold your hand, and I will watch over you." I have sensed His hand and His watchful eye during some of the darkest moments as well as the mountaintop experiences.

This morning I am touched by His individual, personal involvement in my life. What I failed to find in my earthly father, I embrace and adore in my heavenly Father. His tenderness, compassion, and protection leave me in awe. I picture a daddy with a toddler who is just learning to walk. He towers over his little one, bends over him from behind, holds his hands for support, and watches every move he makes.

I remember when my spiritual legs were wobbly. Each step felt uncertain. There was so much I was letting go of but His hands were there to hold on to. Now the journey has gotten more intense and my grip has tightened. God's hands have remained available and strong. He has not taken His eyes off me. His presence has been felt.

Father, I feel at times that I am so young in You. May I never walk independently of Your hand or Your eye. Amen.

A Change of Teachers

A pupil is not above his teacher; but everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher. Luke 6:40

In the spring of 2004 I came across a person who possessed everything I lacked in my own Christian life. She was secure in who she was in Christ, she knew God loved her in an incredible way, she was free to be who God called her to be, and she lived connected to the heart of God. It took all of 5 minutes for me to say, “I want what she has!” It became my passion to learn everything I could from her. The questions I had for her were endless. The answers and suggestions she had for me were endless as well.

A student/teacher relationship has the most powerful results when the desire to learn and the passion to teach are both present. The thing I wanted to learn the most from my “teacher” was how to have a walk with God like hers. I wanted to know how to go to God with my needs. I wanted to allow God to give me my identity. I wanted to know what it was like to talk to God and hear Him speak to me as well. I wanted God’s Word to come alive to me. I wanted God to be everything to me! And these were the very things she was willing to teach me.

For two years she mentored me and it was intense. Many emails, phone calls, and discussions later I had taken in more information than I knew what to do with. She had poured life lessons into me and I walked equipped for a journey I had no idea I was about to enter. There came a time though when she stepped back as my mentor and placed me in God’s classroom. My first reaction was terror because of how dependent I had become on her. But with time I saw the necessity of her decision. For in order to have what I first saw in her I had to learn to look to God as my Teacher. Ultimately for me, walking with God was only possible when there was no longer another source to whom I could look.

Jesus’ words of being like my teacher are an encouragement to me when I see God as my Teacher. No amount of rubbing shoulders with others will give me what God desires to give me on His own….one on one!

Father, the most painful time in my life has led me into a relationship with You that I never dreamed was possible. Thank you for the wisdom of a mentor who knew when to step back and place me under Your instruction. Teach me! Amen.

Available Now

I will pour out water on the thirsty land and streams on the dry ground. I will pour out My Spirit on your offspring and My blessing on your descendants. Isaiah 44:3

I find it interesting that God sends the refreshment of water and streams to the thirsty and dry places. Each of us have times when we are in a spiritual desert place. God does not say, "Hold on and as soon as you get through this season I have refreshment waiting for you." NO! He is a loving heavenly Father who refreshes us IN THE MIDST of the desert and wilderness. I have experienced this very thing many times.

Not too long ago, I found myself in a place of doubt, discouragement, condemnation, and fear. I don't like being there! When it is over I can see where the attacks come from and who is behind them. But in the midst of such times I cannot see it. I rest in the fact that as I mature in my faith I will see what is happening when it is happening. Even so, God is faithful to send refreshment.

He uses encouraging emails from friends who say they are praying for me. Those reminders bring tears to my eyes because I have come to experience the comfort and strength of such prayers. Refreshment comes from a good night’s sleep. As I wake throughout the night I am able to ask God to once again hold me and help me. By morning my strength is renewed. There is also the music. Musical reminders of God's presence, guidance, and love!

As I write this, I know I am still facing circumstances that are uncomfortable but I feel like I have come upon a well. I have stopped for a moment, drawn some living water, and taken a long, deep drink. I reflect upon the love of God and friends and once again sense the nearness of Christ. I know the attacks from the enemy will come again but each time a well awaits me.

Father, many times You have ministered to me in special ways. May Your voice always be more apparent than the voice of my enemy. Amen.