Image: Evgeni Dinev / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
“Thy way was in the sea, And Thy paths in the mighty waters, And Thy footprints may not be known.” – Psalm 77:19
“Where is my mommy?”
I was five years old, swimming in the ocean with family and friends. Yet as I turned around and looked on shore, I could not see my mom. And I didn’t like that.
I promptly got out of the water and began walking … for two miles! Tears never formed or fell from my eyes, so the casual observer didn’t realize I was lost. I didn’t even consider myself lost – just determined to Find. My. Mommy.
“Emily!”
My head turned sharply as I heard my name called. This was back in the day when lifeguards signaled with flags, and unbeknownst to me, they were rapidly communicating with each other to look for a blonde-haired girl, five years old, whose name was Emily. This particular guard had just gotten the message when I walked right in front of him. He invited me to sit on top of his stand but I shyly waited underneath for my mommy. She soon appeared, and as a mom myself now, I can imagine her profound relief upon finding me safe and sound. We were so pleased to be reunited!
Throughout the ebb and flow of life, we sometimes find ourselves looking for God’s way in the midst of tough situations. Try as we might, we cannot see Him or figure out His direction. We start “walking” because we don’t know what else to do. We end up miles away from Him before we realize we’re headed the wrong direction.
Turns out my mom had remained in the same place the whole time – she never moved. I was just little and couldn’t see where she sat.
God never moves, either. He’s with us all along, showing us the way. We simply need spiritual eyes to see Him and the path He has prepared for us.
Perhaps you’re facing a parenting dilemma or marital impasse. Maybe you’re a single person experiencing relationship issues or intense loneliness. Then again, it’s possible you’re undergoing a crisis of faith and find yourself at a standstill.
Whatever the circumstance, there is a way through. God can part our “Red Sea” just as He did for the Israelites.
Instead of walking, we need to stay still until He enables us to see the path He’s prepared. It’s there … and so is He.
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; And lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV)
NOTE: Special thanks to Landon Horton, Associate Pastor of Lake Norman Baptist Church, for bringing Psalm 77:19 to my attention and emphasizing the word “through” in his message titled “The Lystra Leap”.
thank you sweet Emily for the wonderful love,POWER and protection shown in GODS WORD ..
Dear Linda,
I believe you were with me the first time I shared this poem – it’s been revised but still bears the same message. To God be the glory ~ love you!
Hey Emily!
Wonderful post! I shared it on my facebook page.
Thank you so much, Andy! I appreciate your encouragement so much. I thank the Lord for continually giving me thoughts to share ~ love to you in Christ ~
Thank you for this devotion, Emily. The story is a perfect illustration for this spiritual condition. This devotions is especially dear to me because the Lord has had me meditating on His ability to “part Red Seas” and “make (unknown) paths straight” for some months now! LOVE YOU
Dear Carmen,
I am so glad the Lord used this devotion for your encouragement. You remain in my prayers ~ love you too!
Such a great post, Emily. Thank you. I can recall many times getting lost as a child…and an adult. Thankfully God doesn’t move and He is always seeking to find us.
Jeanne
Thanks, Jeanne, to God be the glory! Yes, He is so faithful all the time ~ love to you ~