Have I not commanded you?
Be strong and courageous.
Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed,
for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
The question that he posed to us during one of our discussion times was how God could command such a thing? We are all a free people, a people with emotions and feelings.
After he asked it the answer and image that came into my head was of a parent telling their child not to be afraid, because they are right there with them. As a parent I have said that to my children numerous times. "Hey, hello, I am right here. You don't need to worry."
The example that I thought of was of my oldest son. He has dyspraxia and stairs and heights are very frightening to him because of his perception of depth and where he is in space he just doesn't like them and has a hard time navigating them. There have been many times where I tell him to stand right behind me, have him put his hands on my waist, and we walk it together. I tell him that he just needs to look at me, nothing to be afraid of.
He still has to be the one to walk the stairs and navigate through his fears, but he has a hold of me the entire time.
I think that is pretty much what God is telling us, "Just grab on to Me. Put your focus on Me and not what it is you are afraid of, I will walk you through it."
I still have to take those steps, put one foot in front of the other, but if I look at who I am following vs. my weakness or fear of what I am stepping into my journey will be a lot more stable and I will have a lot more strength to get through it.
One may not feel strong and courageous, but one can still act strong and courageous, because they know where their focus lies.
The pastor ended with telling us to start stepping into what God has for us.....just keep stepping.
This imagery is perfect! Of course, I just read Proverbs 3:6 this morning about putting God first and he will direct us. I think I’m being told something…
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!!!
I think it is a message that He whispers to me often, I just need to keep remembering it and not letting it slip away with the days.
DeleteSuch a beautiful analogy, Karmen! So sorry your son must deal with this trouble. I love how you let him hold onto you and guide him to walk the stairs even though he is afraid instead of letting him give up and avoid it altogether.
ReplyDeleteThank you Trudy, we do both. Avoid stairs when able to and have him hold on when he isn't able to avoid them.
Delete{I think that is pretty much what God is telling us, "Just grab on to Me. Put your focus on Me and not what it is you are afraid of, I will walk you through it."}
ReplyDeleteYes! Last week Isaiah 43 encouraged me. This post encouraged me today. Thanks Karmen - keep stepping. :)
Thank you Michelle! You too!
DeleteThis, right here, is spot on: "One may not feel strong and courageous, but one can still act strong and courageous, because they know where their focus lies." I love the image of your son and you by his side, encouraging and supporting. What a clear and tangible example that brings the truth of these verses into our everyday. I appreciate your words because of how often I feel incapable, lacking confidence and courage in the things I long to do. This focus makes them attainable, and not in my own physical, emotional or spiritual strength.
ReplyDelete