The Everlasting Arms. - 7th December 2007.

I am not really a verses kind of person, in spite of the few I have quoted this week. I have a few I use well is probably the best way to put it! However, I have had numerous songs and verses come to me during my trip, and today’s verses were the ones that held me secure as we traveled to Beira.

The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms… (Deuteronomy 33:27)

I was glad to find they were real verses when I got home, when I quoted them to some of the team they looked at me a bit blankly! But for me they were the strength I needed as we flew. The flights were a little challenging at times, and although I clung firm to Gods promises, at times I was a little uneasy. However, these verses gave me comfort and I could almost picture God flying under the plane and carrying us through the flight. I was sure that God would see us safely through the flights and I was not disappointed. Even as we flew through the thunderstorm into Beira I felt secure and knew that God was carrying the plane and smoothing the journey before us.

God was my refuge throughout the whole trip and he was the ever-present shelter and protection I needed to see me through. I had the most amazing time (incase you hadn’t realized!) and I have never felt closer to God than in those times when I was weakest and most vulnerable. But all of his promises to me were true and faithful, and just as I stayed faithful to him in being called to Beira, so he remained faithful to me in carrying me through and providing for my needs.

There is nothing like being out of your frying pan for growing your faith and trust in God. Can I challenge you to take a step outside of your comfort zones this next week and take a step of faith with God? You may only be able to poke out a toe, you may brave a foot, or why not just go right ahead and jump right out! Whatever you do – do it firm in the knowledge that God is with you and that he will be your comfort and guide. You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you, and he will be your refuge with his everlasting arms firm around you.

Lord – Give me the courage to step out with you, and the faith to trust that you will be with me in whatever I face. I ask that your everlasting arms would be firm around me and that I could experience more of you as I open myself up to being used. Amen.