He Never Leaves

When you pass through the water, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched. Isaiah 43:2

Ever go through a difficulty or loss and someone you hoped would be there for you wasn’t? For whatever reason they were unavailable. You long to hear words of encouragement from them but nothing comes. Not an email, not a phone call, not a visit. The worst part of any trial is the feeling of abandonment and a sense that you are on your own.

Jesus wanted to make sure we knew He would be with us and see us through any and all painful situations…no matter the size or duration. Someone once said when you find yourself in the oven of affliction, God’s eye is on the clock and His hand is on the dial. Although it is easy to sense His distance He is still a very present help in time of trouble.

Rather than abandon He draws close. Rather than ignore He consistently watches. Rather than distance Himself He carries. He is like no one else. People can pray, encourage, counsel, listen, and help. But only God can step in and minister to the deepest hurts, fears, wounds, and emotions we experience.

He is not just watching from a distance ~aware of what is happening. He is in the water, river, and fire with us. There may be times the water level rises so high that He must put me on His shoulders or the flame’s heat becomes so intense He must shelter me under His wings for protection. Other times He may just need to hold my hand or put His hand on my shoulder. But at no time does He become preoccupied with other things and have to withdraw.

Yet, even with all that, He still sends friends of faith into my life to encourage me. It may be just a phrase or two reminding me that God is in control and cares for me. It may be a reminder of their prayers. It may be assurance of their help if needed. These and many other kindnesses are like “hugs” to my spirit. As they are expressed, He squeezes my hand tighter, smiles, and nods His approval. For their words have not only touched my heart, but they have touched His as well.

Father, I embrace Your words of “I will never leave you.” They allow me to pass and walk through it all. Amen.

I Can Finally See

They do not know, nor do they understand, for He has smeared over their eyes so that they cannot see and their hearts so they cannot comprehend. Isaiah 44:18

Until God opens our spiritual eyes, we cannot see or comprehend the truths of His Word. Concepts stay out of reach. Understanding remains a mystery. It is like looking at a book written in a language you have not learned yet. God must intervene before His truths can be digested.

I look at this passage in Isaiah 44:9-20 with amazement. It is entitled "The Folly of Idolatry." It goes on to describe a person who makes his own idol and then worships it. He does not even question the foolishness of this. It is an idol he has made and yet he worships it and prays to it. I imagine people who came out of idolatry to know and serve the living God were incredulous that they ever worshiped the idols to start with.

If I could write a chapter about my blind days it would be entitled "The Folly of Legalism." Legalism is defined as "strict, literal, or excessive conformity to the law or to a religious or moral code that restricts free choice." I was not walking in freedom as long a I felt God's acceptance of me was determined by my standard keeping and performance. It wasn't working for salvation per say. It was working to somehow become acceptable to God and to be loved by God.

During that time, God's voice was not discernible to me, His Word was not appealing to me, and His work in my life was not evident to me. I could work, keep my list of duties, and live under the burden of perfectionism but it never brought me into a friendship type relationship with my Creator.

I had resigned myself to the fact that life would always be like that. God would always be my task master and harsh judge. From day to day I felt the condemnation of His disapproval. It wasn't until God removed the veil from my eyes, mind, and spirit that I could see my own faulty thinking and gain a hope that things could actually be different for me.

That was two years ago this month. I do know this ~ now that I have tasted of true freedom and caught a glimpse of what God is really like, I hunger to know more! The old way no longer appeals to me.

Father, You knew the day You would give me the gift of spiritual sight and understanding. I marvel at what I see now! Thank You. Amen.