Stepping Stones…

     Sometimes we all need…a path….. to find our way…

Stepping stones don’t have to be crossed all at once. Sometimes we step, breathe deep, and do what needs to be done in this day, on this stone…

To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps. (1Peter 2:21 NIV)

Last week I stepped onto an unknown stone – as the blossoming young woman, with hurt her past, and a future unsure, poured out her heart to me. Mesmerized I listened as she non-stop told me everything she had held so tightly, now overflowing like a dam broken.

On this stone I did not have to have all the answers. I did not have to fix anything. I just had to…listen, squeeze her hand, blink back tears with her, and…assure her of the One who loves her more than anyone on earth can even fathom. The love of a Savior who sees her heart.

He knows your heart too, He knows your hurts, He knows your faltering step looking for the next stone in the path…assuring you that –

“When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble.” (Proverbs 4:12 NIV)

For what can man do to us? This earth suit may be damaged, feelings hurt, dreams dashed – but you who profess Jesus as your Lord, Christ as your Savior – the you that is eternal cannot be touched.

Because Christ died for us our Father sees His Son’s righteousness in us – and tells us this great truth for our path:

“The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter til the full light of day.” (Proverbs 4:18 NIV)

And now it comes to us to say to fear ‘you are not my master’. As this sweet young woman finished her story we held hands and stepped together to the next stone in our path looking forward with eternal eyes to the promise…

“You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” (Psalm 16:11 NIV)

Step brave with us today into the everlasting arms – breaking the chains holding us captive to the world and its burdens and stepping free into the Light on our path…

 

 

 

 

 

October 5, 2014 What If…

      In her small town everyone knew everyone and all their business too. Good stuff brought pats on the back but mistakes left you pulling down the shades. Today downtown was crowded because a man with a reputation for helping those who needed a miracle was passing through. She was born and raised here, no one noticed as she ventured from her quiet home to the busy streets. At first when her embarrassing medical condition wouldn’t go away she told a couple of friends, but they had no advice and had each told their neighbors. Feelings hurt and pride wounded she dared not tell anyone else or even let on like the problem still existed. She had suffered for years. She tried doctors but no one had answers, most had ridicule…

Fear has a funny way of keeping us captive – we have a problem but don’t dare let on, someone might…, might what? Judge us, embarrass us. We read or hear great advice, but hesitate to act on it, because…, because what? It might not work for us, we might not get the same results.

Fear has the same number of letters as: jail and trap.  When it has hold of us we are confined to the what ifs. The ‘what ifs’ we ask are always negative – what if I get seasick on the cruise, what if I raise my hand to answer and I’m wrong, what if I tell him I love him but he says I think you’re a great friend, what if the doctor says it’s cancer…

The woman quickened her pace to get nearer the front of the crowd. If she could get close enough, maybe she could just pull him aside for a moment and he would point her to someone who could help. Drawing close she stumbled and reached out and touched the edge of his sleeve… the man stopped and said “Who touched me???”

“Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed came trembling and fell at His feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched Him and how she had been instantly healed. Then He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.” (Luke 8:47-48 NIV)         What if  – you reached out for Him and found His peace….