17 Mar Hold Tight

In college, I had the opportunity to go to Belarus as part of a mission team. It was such a great experience.

I loved being in a different culture, navigating obstacles like language barriers and cultural norms, and getting to share Christ with college students with whom I would not otherwise have crossed paths.

I was reminded of this time in Belarus during my reading today.

Our team boarded a trolley, heading across town to an evening event. The night lights were beautiful. I stood by the window, mesmerized when the stench of vodka-soaked breath permeated the air. I turned to see that I was cornered by an intoxicated Belarusian who was quite the close talker and really pouring his heart out to me…in Russian.

About this same time, I heard a man from our team say, “Richard, Susan’s cornered by a drunk man!” From over the drunk man’s head appeared the outstretched friendly hand of my campus director, so I grabbed hold and didn’t let go until I was safe among my team.

God does this for us.
He reaches into our dark corners to guide us back to Him.

He did this for the Israelites…countless times.

Hebrews 8:9 says that God took the Israelites by the hand…what a comforting image to be held in the mighty hands of God.

His hands are capable, loving, safe, and corrective. They formed the worlds, they hold our future, and nothing can ever snatch us from them.

I don’t know what you’re going through, but I know God is reaching out His hand to you right now.

How do I know?

Because that’s who He is and what He does, and He never pulls away.

What has you cornered?
Look for God’s outstretched hand. Grab hold, and don’t let go! Hold tight to the One who can pull you to safety.

“For I am the Lord your God, the one who takes hold of your right hand, who says to you, ‘Don’t be afraid, I am helping you.’ Don’t be afraid, despised insignificant Jacob, men of Israel.
I am helping you,” says the Lord, your Protector, the Holy One of Israel.”

Isaiah 41:13-14 (NET)

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Susan E. Greenwood is a wife, a mother, and a mother-in-law :D. She has over 28 years experience in youth and children’s ministries. Susan loves to write blogs, articles, devotionals, and curriculum. She has blogged for bible.org, and authors Mary Demuth, Lynn Cowell and Ruth Schwenk. Susan writes regularly for skitguys.com. Her passion is to help people live their Life In Stride with the Word of God