It was almost eight years ago now that I heard a story of a young missionary family connected with our church. Living in a remote area, the husband often has to walk through bush in the jungle to travel into a larger, populated city to do business. It is a long journey, and he must always be aware of possible ambush from the natives. He changes up his route so as not to become predictable and for added protection. He has not always escaped attack, but he does what he can to be wise and cautious.
When this story was shared with me, the very next day the Lord directed my reading to this verse in Ezra. It is quoted above from the New Living Translation, but other interpretations of this scripture include phrases that include how God delivered from "such as lay in wait by the way" (King James Version). The English Standard Version actually speaks of "ambushes by the way". God's Word addresses every situation! I still recall the Lord highlighting this verse to me immediately after hearing this story and I began praying for this young man and His family, that the gracious hand of God would be upon them, protecting from enemies and bandits.
Wondering where we all need to see the gracious hand of God on our lives today. Maybe you too are facing physical enemies. It is possible you sense that there are those who are stalking in the shadows just waiting for an opportunity to hinder your walk with the Lord. For others the "bandits" trying to assault might not be people, but thoughts or feelings that desire to hold us hostage and keep us from moving forward. How can we safeguard ourselves?
Bandits operate best in isolated areas. They are cowardly against community, seeking out those who are separated and solo. Attentive and watchful they want to bring hidden perils upon us, especially if we are doing life alone. But what if we are walking a road without the physical presence of another? Well, if we know the Lord as our Heavenly Father, the gracious hand of our God is on us.
Just now, while writing this reflection, I have experienced God's gracious hand. My husband was on a bit of an adventure today. Since his heart surgery four months ago he has for the most part been in the company of myself, a member of the family, or dear friends. So many have lovingly provided transportation to appointments out of town and the Lord has deeply ministered to us through the body of Christ. Today Gord wanted to travel to the hospital, on his own, via the Go Train. It was a little more than what I felt comfortable with, but I understood his desire to do something without a side-kick. I was most concerned about his return trip after a long day. Imagine my surprise when he sent me a text as he boarded the train to come home. God had placed a dear friend on the same train at the same time in the same car! The gracious hand of God was upon him, providing for the long ride home.
Maybe today you need to feel His hand upon you. A hand to wipe away tears. A hand to heal. A hand to mend a broken heart. A hand to remove fears. A hand to comfort. A hand to provide. A hand to shelter from the storm. A hand to gently correct. A hand to guide. A hand to deliver. A hand to encourage. A hand to hold.
Are you looking for His hand today? Father, shelter Your children in the hollow of Your hands. You have engraved us on Your palms. Your hands are not too short to save (Isaiah 59:1). The works of Your hands are faithful and just (Psalm 111:7). Mighty hands. Saving hands. Powerful hands. Enabling hands. Conquering hands. Nail-pierced hands. Bleeding hands. Loving hands. Gracious hands upon us.
Father, we fall into Your hands.
No comments:
Post a Comment