Following My Father’s Lead - Encouragement Café - May 20, 2016

Following My Father’s Lead
By Susan Call

Friday, May 20, 2016

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not upon your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your path.  Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV

I reached my arms straight up grabbing hold of my dad’s hands.  Without hesitation my fingers curled around his first two fingers.  Enthusiastically I stepped up onto the toes of his big old boots with anticipation.

I’ll be honest, I don’t remember exactly how young I was, only that my feet could ride comfortably on his and my fingers were dwarfed in comparison to his hands.

In my imagination we went far beyond the kitchen, dad taking the steps and me along for the ride.  It didn’t matter the pace or the size of the steps he took, I held on tightly for our journey together.  It was a sweet scene that played many times as I was growing up.

This summer it’s been a year since we lost dad.  The priceless mental snapshot of me standing on his feet, holding onto his hands still warms my heart as it provides a valuable reminder of the best way to journey through life.

When we hold tight to our Father’s hands, only stepping where He leads, only traveling at the pace He guides, the journey is sweet.

I’m with you.  There’s no need to fear for I’m your God.  I’ll give you strength.  I’ll help you.  I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.  Isaiah 41:41b MSG

Just as my dad held tightly to my young hands, God is always within our reach.  He gives us strength to stand when we don’t have any of our own.  He gives us courage to step where fear might prevent us.  And, He is always faithful to lead when we’re faithful to follow.

Just as my dad took steps with me while I stood on his toes and held on, God welcomes us to do the same with Him.  But, we can’t know where He’s leading if we don’t ask for His direction. 

It’s too easy to wonder why God is silent when we haven’t taken adequate time to open His Word or quietly listen for His voice when we pray.

This week set aside time and imagine your hands reaching up to your Father’s, curling your fingers around His.  Imagine setting your feet on His.  Ask Him to guide your steps.  Allow Him to lead and be ready to boldly follow where He guides.

Dear Father, Your hands hold all of our tomorrows.  Help us to hold onto You, trusting Your plan with each of our steps.  Help us to have the courage to follow wherever You lead in Your perfect timing.  Please give us strength and courage us when the journey makes us weary.  Please draw us close, helping us to know You more and allow our hearts to be in tune with Yours.  Thank You for never letting us go and for always holding us in Your mighty hand.  In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

© 2016 by Susan Call.  All rights reserved.

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Originally published Friday, 20 May 2016.

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