It was a beautiful autumn day, perfect for taking a walk on the bike trail near our home. We decided to take the puppy we are taking care of as well. He wasn’t on a leash, he simply followed our footsteps and stayed on the path. The longer we walked, the more evident it was that his tiny legs were growing weary. Across the river a train went thundering through the valley we were in. I turned to see the little pup running the opposite direction, his tail tucked between his legs and looking for shelter. He spotted some tall ferns off the trail and tucked beneath their leaves.
I have found myself choosing to act in the same way when fear overtakes me. Instead of staying on the path God has called me to, the path that can at times feel vulnerable, I am guilty of running to the sidelines to find shelter in the shadows.
How do you react when circumstances, past wounds, fears, or wrong thoughts call for your attention?
When we’re walking the narrow path God has called us to, these things will vie for our attention. It’s Satan’s way of distracting us and to keep God’s will and message from going forth in our lives.
The good news is that we have a choice. As the leader, I knew the train posed no threat to us even though it was very loud and potentially sounded frightening. I knew we could continue forward on the path ahead. In the same way, our Heavenly Father who leads us knows what threats are bellowing around us. But He also knows there is no danger on the path He has laid for us because we have His Almighty protection that is able to overcome any threat this world throws our way.
“Take heart for I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Once spotting the little pup I went to him, scooped him up in my arms and comforted him. Then I carried him until he felt secure and confident to walk again. This is the choice we should be making as children and followers of our Lord. To run to Him who goes before us in those moments of fear and worry. We can be sure that He will protect us from any and all danger. He will cover us and we can find refuge in Him.
“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield.” Psalm 91:4
The trail we walked was narrow in comparison to the hills, forest, rivers and roads all around us. We occasionally saw a passer-by but not often. God’s Word tells us “small is the gate and narrow is the road that leads to life, and only a few will find it.” (Matt. 7:14) His Word also tells us that we “are a light of the world. A city on a hill that cannot be hidden.” (Matt. 5:14) Take note to the words “cannot be hidden.” It is contradictory to Scripture for us to hide in the shadows even when we feel hard-pressed or lack confidence. Instead, we are told to “not be afraid or discouraged. Be strong and courageous.” (Joshua 10:25) He goes behind us and before us and He is always faithful.
“But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.” 2 Thessalonians 3:3
As we continue on the path God laid before us, trusting Him to lead us and allowing Him to carry us when we are weary and weak, our lives will be a witness and a light to those around us. Be it times of plenty or times of want, when our lives seem easy-going or hard-pressed, God can use our circumstances to bring His message forth. We must choose to trust in Him, our Leader who is Almighty and always Faithful.
“The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.” Proverbs 4:18
No comments:
Post a Comment