June 17, 2013
When I Fall Down
Mary Southerland
Today's Truth
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’ (Psalm 91:1-2, NIV)
Friend to Friend
I had forgotten just how amazing the process of learning to walk really is until our youngest grandchild recently reminded me. Justus was a speed crawler who could scoot along the floor almost as fast as I could walk and seemed content to explore the bottom of tables and chairs, play with doorstops or inspect flecks of lint, food crumbs and the floor at close range. For the first twelve months of his life, that was enough.
However, the day came when he was no longer satisfied to explore his world from the vantage point of his two little hands and knees and began pulling up on various pieces of furniture. Evidently he liked what he saw because he soon grew tired of just being upright and quickly graduated to the "One Step" method of walking.
Throughout the day, Justus repeatedly and carefully pulled himself up on the living room sofa. Next came the toddler shuffle as he tentatively positioned his stout and very determined little thirteen-month-old body between the sofa and loveseat. Pausing to catch his breath and gather his courage, Justus longingly stared at his goal, the armrest of the loveseat. His big brown eyes seemed to measure the size of the step he would have to take in order to reach his final destination and thus, master that long-held toddler tradition of cruising the furniture.
Eventually, he would let go of the sofa cushion, take "a step" and quickly grab hold of the loveseat. Most of the time, this brave little man then looked over his shoulder at whoever happened to be watching, a huge grin lighting up his face and the room. That was the cue for applause. And believe me, we always applauded. Yes, the "One Step" method of walking served Justus well - until he decided that what he wanted was not anywhere near the sofa or loveseat - and a new strategy was required.
I can imagine his little heart beating with excitement and fear as he realized the profound ramifications of his next move. He had to completely let go of that sofa and loveseat and walk where he had never been - into thin air - with no safety net.
And then it happened. Justus let go and took a step ... then another and another! We held our breath as we watched this special little boy actually walk for the very first time in his life. When he wobbled and fell to the floor, our daughter instinctively reached out to catch her precious child. He didn't see her at first, but when he looked up ... there she was. She had been nearby, watching the whole time. Justus looked into her eyes. Danna squealed with joy, grabbed Justus in a fierce hug and twirled him around the room, laughing and yelling, "Good job! You did it! You walked, honey!" My husband and I joined in the celebration, clapping and cheering along with our daughter. Justus decided that his accomplishment must be worthy of praise and he began to clap as well. In fact, he was so excited that he fell to the floor, kicking, laughing and clapping. It was both hilarious and profound.
Have you ever felt like you have taken the step God wanted you to take only to find yourself dangling in thin air with no safety net in sight? I have. I don't like it. I want to know what is just ahead and see what is around the next corner of life. It frightens me to take risks. I wonder if God will really be there and come through for me the way He says He will in the Bible. Can I really do what God is asking me to do? Will He be pleased by my seemingly insignificant step of faith? And what happens if I fall? Falling is painful and something I try to avoid whenever possible.
I have great news for you, girlfriend! God is near. His eyes are set on you and His heart delights in your very existence as His daughter. If you listen carefully, you just might hear Him applauding that one tiny step of faith you were willing to take as you walked straight through your fear. God is fully aware of where you are and what you need. Heaven is not in a panic. And when you fall, you can rest assured your Father will be there to hold you in His arms of love and strengthen you for every step of your journey.
Let's Pray
Lord Jesus, I want to see and know You as the loving and caring Father that You are. Thank You for Your faithfulness in my life. I praise You for Your unconditional love that gives me hope when life looks hopeless. Thank You for never leaving me to live in my own strength. Today, I celebrate the truth that I am Your child and when I fall, You will be there.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
Now It's Your Turn
What step of faith do you need to take today? Create an acrostic using the word, trust. For example:
T tearing down walls of fear and doubt
R remembering God is able
U using His strength
S stepping out in faith
T trusting Him
Email your acrostic to me or post it on my Facebook page as an encouragement to others.
More from the Girlfriends
Need help finding God’s plan for your life? Check out Mary’s new E-Book Bible Study, It’s Never Too Late to Be Great. And be sure to check out Mary’s NEW weekly Online Bible Study, From a Mess to a Miracle, beginning July 8. Enroll now and have access to all 2013 lessons.
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