Take My Hand

As a child, I remember my father telling me to look both ways before crossing the street. To watch the walk sign to indicate it was safe to step down from the curb and make our way to the other side of the street. He then would take my hand and hold it tightly. I waited for a second or two for him to take the lead. Then I would step down from the curb and cross the line of drivers who watched as we walked passed them. By the time we finished crossing the road, the river of cars suddenly broke and streamed over the crosswalk.

Through the years, God has held my hand.

In times when I rebelled and went my own way and headed in the opposite direction, He took my hand. The same hands that were nailed to a tree, out stretched arms leaving His heart unprotected, while my sin and that of world crushed Him.

Later in life, I would face overwhelming challenges, stilled He stretched out His hands to take mine and pull me to His side. Much like Peter who bravely got out of the boat and walked toward Jesus on stormy seas, until he looked down. God grabbed his hand so he would not go under the cold, dark waters.

Once I stood at a train station following a doctor's appointment. Tears stung my eyes when recalling the news of the medical report. Again, I remember Dad taking my hand to lead me across the busy intersection. I glanced up at the sky and prayed, "Please Father, take my hand, I'm afraid and I feel so alone right now."

Now, my wife and I face another challenge that could mean a new job and relocation. It will take us across the country to a large, busy and sleepless city. But this is the promise the Lord gives me and to us.

For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. (Isaiah 41:13 NIV).

If you are in pain, find yourself weeping through the night, feel so alone and cold, or can't face another day then raise your hands. Yes, raise them up and ask God to take your hand. When you do, the power of God will rest on you. You will find strength to stand, to smile, to laugh again. And yes, you will be able to cross any life's busy and confusing intersections because you have a Father who will help and lead you to the other side!