Reading those verses, immediately an illustration in a book came to mind. "Safe All Along" by Katie Davis Majors begins with a story of being caught in dangerous rapids. Feeling at the mercy of the river, panic arose. Care and concern for herself and her daughter escalated as they navigated the twists and turns, being carried further and further away by the current. What they couldn't see, around the bend the water slowed and became shallow. The entire episode was only minutes, but I'm sure it felt like hours. The unknown always slows the hands of the clock, but oh how often in the middle of the twists and turns of life we forget the hands of God.
The Israelites were finally closing in on their destination, having taken 40 years longer than they should have, but they were on the fringe of crossing over into the promised land. They had seen God and guide and provide, and scripture tells us that they lacked nothing. Yet here they are standing on the border of possessing all that God has for them, and again they hesitate. Fear grips their hearts and stops their progress.
How often do we stand at that same border? God invites us into a new initiative and we begin with excitement, but hard knocks along the way make us forgetful of the divine call. Suddenly all His previous care is forgotten as we focus on a new challenge that has risen before us. We desperately need to continually recall all the Lord has done for us. The Israelites had witnessed God's faithfulness with their own eyes, but a new trial blinded their memory of His goodness.
Not only do we struggle to remember His past provision, but His present proximity. The Lord is with us. His word promises that He will never leave us or forsake us. We never face a moment alone. He fights for us in our "Egypts" and cares for us all along the way of the wilderness as a father cares for his child. He remains close to us guiding each step of the way. When He brings us to a new place, He doesn't abandon us, but assures us, going ahead and providing footsteps for us to follow.
Starting on any journey is often exciting, but finishing well is the real triumph. We must understand that God goes ahead, charting our course, and the battle is His. If we remain on His side, victory is guaranteed. We must trust in His sovereign authority and walk by faith in obedience. Sometimes the biggest roadblock in moving forward is not necessarily who or what is in front of us, but the fear that is within us. God will empower us to overcome our fears and move forward.
The Lord's steps may pace differently than ours. Rushing ahead or resting too long will influence when we arrive at our God-given destiny. Often we are challenged by our loss of control and God's vastly different timing. When His stride and speed contrasts with ours, His is right. Believe me on this. Better yet, believe Him on this. He is going ahead and knows the perfect timing, caring for each of us personally in order to bring us to the place He has promised. "We are stronger than we think because God is holding us more securely than we know." We really are safe all along.
Quote from "Safe All Along", Katie Davis Majors, Multnomah Publishers, Copyright 2023
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