Nestled in the Master's Arms...

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you.
-1 Peter 5:7


Footprints
by Mary Stevenson

One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was
walking along the beach with the Lord. Across the
sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene, he
noticed two sets of footprints in the sand: one
belonging to him, and the other to the Lord. When
the last scene of his life flashed before him, he
looked back at the footprints in the sand. He
noticed that many times along the path of his life
there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed
that it happened at the very lowest and saddest
times in his life. This really bothered him and he
questioned the Lord about it. "Lord, You said that
once I decided to follow you, You'd walk with me all
the way. But I have noticed that during the most
troublesome times in my life, there is only one set
of footprints. I don't understand why when I needed
you most you would leave me." The Lord replied,
"My son, My precious child, I love you and I would
never leave you. During your times of trial and
suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it
was then that I Carried You."

I have always loved this little poem. It captures in my mind the struggle of life. It captures the spirit and love of my savior. The concept of the Lord carrying each of us is particularly pertinent to some of you right now. Some fight the Lord and don't want to be carried. These are the ones who end up falling and getting a mouth full of sand. The Lord is ever gracious though; he always stops again to pick you up. Find comfort this day in the everlasting arms of King Jesus.

Incubating all of these worries and not allowing yourself to be carried shows that you have not trusted God fully with your entire life. You must stand up and boldly admit to God your need for him. It takes humility. Our sins and stresses are very heavy if we carry them ourselves, but we must not forget that Christ bought a container on Calvary that can never ever be filled to carry your burdens for you. Letting God have control calls for action in your life this day. Instead of submitting yourself to worrying about your present circumstances, submit to the Lord who controls those circumstances. Friend lighten your load this day, for I know you have to be tired....Godspeed!