Isaiah 46:3-4 (hover over to view verses) Thoughts taken from my devotional time.
God reminds us that He has upheld us since we were conceived (v.3). That means that God knew us and cared for us since the moment we were created or came into being—not just since our birth. Further, God reminds us that He has not just upheld and cared for us, but He “carried [us] since [our] birth.” Just think of that!
He carries us!
I don’t think I meditate on that reality enough. I often feel like He carries me when I am weak or when I am distraught, like the famous “Footprints” story portrays. But there’s no mention of being carried only when we’re weak here. It’s a blanket statement and reminds me that …
I do NOT have strength in myself—not an ounce!
I need to resist the idea that I do! And remember that God does and therefore He “carries” me where I need to go.
Being carried somewhere also reminds me that I’m not doing the directing. The One who carries me {us} takes me where He wants and needs for me to go. There’s security in that realization—if I’ll let it calm my heart and stifle my pride.
It’s not up to us to direct our lives. We can’t direct God. He is the One with the plan!
Now, I do think we can refuse to be carried by Him. Maybe in those moments Jesus stands still and waits for us to return to His arms.
If that’s true, …
[Tweet “Are we wasting the moments of our brief life here on earth when we refuse to be carried by God?”]
Are there “places” we could go and see, or things He wants to do through us, that we won’t have time for because we squandered them running from His arms?
I do think we can interrupt or hinder God’s desire, but never His sovereign will. He always redeems it for the good purpose of those who submit to Him.
I’m encouraged by another thought here (v.4): God will carry us till we are old and gray.
I’m closer to that than I am to my birth now! {no “old lady” jokes, please!} Ultimately, the word “sustain” here reminds me that He never gives up on {you and} me. And …
He never grows tired of carrying us!
[Tweet “Nothing we do or don’t do will ever change how fiercely God loves us and steadfastly holds us!”]
What fears keep you from running back into Christ’s waiting arms?
What would change in your life and marriage if you let Christ “carry you”?
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Linking up with – Marriage Mondays, Making Your Home Sing Monday, Living Proverbs 31, Monday’s Musings, Marriage, Motherhood and Missions, and Playdates with God
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