Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
West Germany was my second overseas assignment while serving in the US Air Force. My son was born while I was stationed there. Some Saturdays, I would take him out for breakfast, or visit one of my friends who lived in base housing.
One Saturday, he and I exited our parked car enroute to one of my friend’s rooms in the barracks. As we were walking across the parking lot, the unthinkable happened.
Suddenly, the ground shook and we heard a great varoom as a fighter jet zipped past the building that we were walking toward! It had just taken off.
Upon hearing this commotion, my son tucked his head and dashed toward me. After I gathered him up in my arms, he buried his face in my shoulder.
With a gentle voice, I comforted him and told him that everything was okay. Putting him down, I pointed up at the jet that had sped by.
With some assurance from me, he eventually accepted that everything was fine. After regaining his confidence, he resumed his walk ahead of me toward my friend’s room.
What happened just outside the doors of that building earlier, entirely slipped our minds, as we settled in and enjoyed the visit that afternoon.
Just think, my son was there playing on the floor, as though nothing had happened!
Imagine how often we find ourselves caught up in a difficult situation. Our first inclination is to duck and run into the loving arms of God.
He comforts us and assures us that everything is okay. Then when we have regained our strength and nerve, we resume our journey.
Upon arriving at our destination, we get caught up in whatever we are doing, and soon forget about the terrible incident, and divine visitation that we had earlier.
God’s Word is true. He is always Faithful. Are we?
Let us meditate on that.
Almighty God, full of grace and mercy, may we always express our gratitude – And may we never forget that it is You who upholds us.
Amen.