Holding God's Hand

"One of the joys of being with kids is holding their hands. We do it to keep them safe while crossing the street, or to keep them from getting lost in a crowd. And whenever they stumble and lose their footing, we grab their little hands tighter to keep them from falling.

"That's what God does for us . . . " (Joe Stowell/Our Daily Bread Journal/November 25)

The picture is beautiful . . . but the premise of my blog prompts me to ask, "Is it Scriptural?"

Let's begin with the "qualifier." Are we children? Children of God? We certainly have the opportunity to be so. You'll find an invitation in John 1:12:

"Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."

"Because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God." Romans 8:14

Are you a child of God?

You've been with people who answer a question with another question. Likewise, God's invitation asks us to respond with an invitation. We are to invite Him into our hearts and lives -- in doing so, we invite Him to call the shots. That can be scary, but we will never find a more loving Father, nor one who knows and acts upon what is the very best for us.

So, what about the hand-holding part? Does God keep us from falling? Can He really keep me from being consumed by covetousness, self-pity, or self-righteousness? When He sees me falling, will He grab my hand and hold tighter?

Scripture says, Yes, but . . . I have to let Him.

1 Corinthians 10:13 promises that "God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will provide a way out . . . " (a way of escape NAS).

"To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy. . . " Jude 24

God, when you reach out to hold our hand. When it almost hurts because You are holding so tight, help us trust. Help us cooperate. Help us, Lord, to receive your Father-love.

Friend, if you need to see your Father smile, look up. He is.

Holding His Hand,
Lonnie

* All Scripture references NIV unless noted otherwise