2-5-2024

Good Morning All,       

          John 10:29; “My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand.”

    A young child was walking with his father down a slippery path.    His father looked down at him and told him to hold onto the father’s hand.  The young child looked up and said, “No Dad, you hold my hand in case I fall; I might lose my grip.  You should take hold of my hand because you won’t let go.” 

    This is why it is so wonderful that we are held in the Father’s hand; he won’t let go and no one can steal us out of his hand.  God holds onto me and not the other way around.  How many times have you tried to get a child to take your hand and then, when something more interesting comes along, they let go and walk away?  Or how many times have you tried to hold their hand only to have them pull away because they thought they didn’t need your hand?  Have you ever had a child let go of your hand and run away in fear?  A child holding on isn’t a very strong hold but when the parent holds on it is much stronger.

    So even during those times of our lives when we thought we knew all the answers and didn’t really need God; he continued to hold us in his hand and protects us.  Even if we rebel, he holds onto us calling us back to his gracious truth.  He holds us as a parent holds onto the wandering child.

     Yet, perhaps even more comforting, God continues to hold us when we let go because we are afraid.  Many of us have been, or are, in a place where we know only fear.  We feel like we are standing on the edge of a deep gorge, and it is slippery and maybe even windy.  It seems like it is going to be difficult, if not impossible, to keep standing.  We can feel like we are ready to fall at any second and we stand in fear.  We may be struggling with the issues of our parents as they get older.  We may be struggling with issues of our children who fail to see a need for the church or faith.  Maybe we are struggling trying to hold onto our faith as it is daily attacked.  There are many issues and events in this world that cause us to fear slipping and falling down and if we were on our own, we would.  But we are not alone.

   God is holding you in his hand and he has promised to not let go.  It is not our strength or courage that keeps us safe, but it is entirely God’s love for us.  So, if you feel like you just can’t make it one more step; let God carry you, he has been all along.  Trust in his grace and mercy to care for you, to protect you and to keep you safe. 

Father of all love, too often I let go.  I fail to trust in your mercy, and I let go.  Thank you for not letting go of me.  Thank you for keeping me safe from the devil’s attacks.  Help me to find comfort in your loving arms.  Give me the peace that the world cannot give or understand.  Help my brothers and sisters who are struggling at this time.  Let your mercy pour over them.  In the precious name of Jesus we pray, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret