Thoughts for Cheri
April 4, 2004
Deuteronomy
1:29-33
I tried to relieve your fears:
“Don’t be terrified of them. God,
your God is leading the way;he's fighting for you.
You saw with your own eyes
what he did for you in Egypt;
you saw what he did in the wilderness,
how God, your God, carried you as a father carries his
child,
carried you the whole way
until you arrived here.
But now that you’re here,
you won’t trust God, your God—
this same God who goes ahead of you in your travels
to scout
out a place to pitch camp,
a
fire by
night and a cloud by day to show you the way to go.”
“Israel was afraid to follow God’s leading. I don’t want to be afraid to follow Him as He guides me. I know He has a plan for my life and that He goes before me to prepare the way, gives me direction to show me the way, and carries me as I travel the way. Why should I fear anything?”
“As I look back over my life I see the way He has provided for and carried me through the trials and dark times. I see the ways He has prepared me for all I have encountered, good or bad. How could I even imagine for one minute that He would fail me now? I choose now to trust Him with my present and my future and to step out in faith in my heart and mind on the path He has chosen and prepared for me. I don’t know where it leads but I surrender all to Him.”
This was
written on the one year anniversary of the end of my marriage, the day my world
changed forever. I love the imagery in
these verses. I see exactly what God has
done and is still doing for me in my life.
Just like He carried the Israelites in Egypt, He carried me in my marriage. I could write a book on the opportunities,
gifts, answered prayers, and so much more that He provided for me and my kids
during those years in our “Egypt”.
I look back in amazement at all of the times He allowed me to learn and
serve even in the midst of that life. I’m
very grateful.
This day in
2003 marked for me the beginning of my time in the “wilderness”. I didn’t know where I was going or what I would
do when I got there. I will say for
myself that, unlike the Israelites, I wasn’t afraid to trust God. Satan did try to use fear to discourage me
but my faith enabled me to move forward towards my promised land. I know for a fact that God has gone before me
to “scout
out a place (for me) to pitch camp”.
I haven’t had a “fire” or “cloud” to lead the way but I have had prayer,
scripture, family, friends, and events to guide me as I’ve traveled. I’m very grateful.
Why
should I fear anything?” God’s word tells me over and over again to not fear,
be afraid, or anxious, or worry, whatever term you choose to use. For me this simply tells me to put my faith
in Him and trust His hand in my life.
“As
I look back over my life I see the way He has provided for and carried me
through the trials and dark times. I see
the ways He has prepared me for all I have encountered, good or bad. How could I even imagine for one minute that
He would fail me now?” Good
question. When something is proven true
over and over again why would I doubt it?
There have been people in my life who have been there for me most of the
time but because they’re human or because of circumstances sometimes they let
me down. I let people down more than I like
to recall. The only One who has NEVER
disappointed me is God. When human
frailties, worldly situations, and my own shortcomings cause me pain or sorrow
or disappointment He’s there loving, comforting, and guiding me. He knows just exactly what I need when I need
it. I’m very grateful.
I keep saying I’m very grateful and I am. How do I show this to my Father? I live a life that pleases Him. I allow people to see the difference He makes
in my life. I’m not ashamed of the
gospel and of the Savior who died for me.
I don’t live a “personal” Christian life but I share Him wherever I go
in every way I can. I don’t allow
hardships, disparaging comments, or even persecution deter me from allowing the
light that is Jesus Christ to shine in and through me. I give Him all the praise and glory for what
He’s done in my life. That’s what being
a Jesus follower means.
“Don’t be terrified of them. God, your God, is leading the way; he’s fighting for
you.” This is how I’ve chosen to live the last 14 years and
how I want to live the rest of my life; unafraid and trusting my God who is
fighting for me. I pray you choose the
same.
Father,
You took care of me in my Egypt.
You provided for me in my wilderness.
You go before me into my promised land.
I will not fear!
Thank You!
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
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