Holding Hands with God

Thanks for visiting Eternity Cafe today. Well, friends, I'm finally in the 21st century, and here's my first post!! It is my desire that this blog will serve to shine God's light in your life and mine. I just love to share ideas, stories, illustrations, photos, even recipes as they come to me, either through my crazy brain or by way of email, devotions, sermons, conversation, etc. I hope that you will join me adding your insights by posting your comments.

For my first post, I chose a story that is near and dear to my heart. Years ago, when my 20 year old daughter was just four, we were standing side by side in church singing during the worship service. (By the way, she now stands beside her dad as she plays bass guitar leading the worship with him! How time flies!) But at that time, my observant little girl asked me a question. She said, "Why do people raise their hands when they worship?" I was just about to share my great wisdom with her, providing some brilliant answer when I felt what seemed to be the Lord just shutting my mouth. So I asked her, "Why do you think that people raise their hands when they worship?" To which she replied, "I think that they are holding hands with God."

From that moment on, I always asked her (and my son) what they thought before I provided my answer!

Her answer revealed so much insight into what our relationship with God ought to be. It was the prophet Micah who said, "He has showed you, O man (or woman), what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." You might say "... to walk holding hands with God."

Now just imagine that you are a child holding the hand of your Father. His hand covers yours, and you feel His protection. He is so much bigger than you are. He is gripping you tightly because He doesn't want to lose you. He doesn't want any harm to come to you. He wants to protect you, even though sometimes He allows you to reap consequences, because that too, is for your good.

Imagine as you hold His hand where His eyes are. He can see across the street. He can see what lies ahead. He can see where the dangers are, and He can shield you from them. Imagine His vision and realize how limited your vision is. And remember, when a child holds her daddy's hand, it is gripped and supported - He is doing the holding! It is not nearly as difficult as when you try to keep your hand raised on your own.

Imagine how much the owner of that Hand loves you. How He cares for your every need, even those that you don't realize you have. How His grip is a confirmation of how you are tenderly loved with a strength beyond your own understanding. Realize that if a great danger were heading your way, how He would push you out of the way, and sacrifice Himself that you might live.

This is what it is to be a child of God.

See you next time!!

Susan

13 comments:

Joanne@ Blessed... said...

Friend, may this blog be a blessing to you and to all that come over to visit. I can't wait to see all that God is going to do!

Love, Joanne

Unknown said...

Awesome post! How often we need a reminder that our vision is so limited and God can see the whole picture. How he never has plans for evil, but plans to protect, and provide, plans for our hope and a future.

Welcome to blogging. I am looking forward to seeing where He leads you.

Deanna

Mari said...

Hi! I am here fro Joanne's blog and I'm so glad she sent me here. What an awesome thought - to be holding hands with God. "Out of the mouths of babes..." I'll be back again.

A Stone Gatherer said...

Welcome to blogging! I know you will be blessed by all the blogs you preuse! I must say I love your first post! I will try to remember to stop and ask the question back the next time my children ask those types of questions! Blessings!

Brenda V. said...

Susan, I can't believe that Lauren is 20! That makes me feel so old. I sure do miss being on the worship team with Tony and Lauren, and I sure do miss you. I am almost afraid to ask about AJ, as I am sure he is a very handsome young man now. I will certainly be tuning into your blog. Love you in Christ, Brenda VanBrocklin

Aunt Angie said...

Welcome Susan!
What a GREAT first post...are you sure this was your first??? My first was a floundering fish...but finally landed in the water!

You will be amazed at what God will do through you and for you in this vast avenue of faith!

God bless you!
(p.s. I was also at She Speaks...and ate with Joanne one night...did we meet?? I met so many awesome ladies---many names and faces escape me...I lay that to the 5 grandchildren I have!)

Anonymous said...

Sue. Thanks for sharing your beautiful story, I have no problem raising my hands to the Lord. To me it's praise & worship and I secretly think that God is looking down at me and I'm adorng him by giving Him a "wave offering" of love and devotion. I love your blog. May God richly bless you.
Marlene Rodgers

Anonymous said...

Hi Susan,
This is awesome. I will follow it closely. This will be a blessing to many.
Jeri

Unknown said...

Susan,
You are always an inspiration to me. Even with your busy lifestyle, your desire to find means of spreading God's word even through the means of your own personal journeys will definitely be a witness to many.
Fran

Unknown said...

Susan,
You are always an inspiration to me. Even with your busy lifestyle, your desire to find means of spreading God's word even through the means of your own personal journeys will definitely be a witness to many.
Fran

Anonymous said...

Look forward to your comments and recipes. The selections to date are timely and inspirational.

Love,
LoRae

Anonymous said...

My Mom is AWESOME! You should all be jealous haha...

Seriously Mom, your posts are wonderful because you take real life experiences and relate them to God. There should be more people like you in this world.

LOVE YOU!
-Lauren

Diane DeStefano said...

Hi Susan from So. Florida. My Mom sent me your site. We have seen Tim Hawkins twice here in Fla. Laughed til we cried! We still sing the "subway" song. You are so gifted in sharing your God stories, can't wait to read more.
Many Blessings,
Diane DeStefano