Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
October 25, 2022
Read Isaiah 43:1-7
1 But now, says the LORD the one who created you, Jacob, the one who formed you, Israel: Don’t fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; when through the rivers, they won’t sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you won’t be scorched and flame won’t burn you. 3 I am the LORD your God, the holy one of Israel, your savior. I have given Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in your place. 4 Because you are precious in my eyes, you are honored, and I love you. I give people in your place and nations in exchange for your life. 5 Don’t fear, I am with you. From the east I’ll bring your children; from the west, I’ll gather you. 6 I’ll say to the north, “Give them back!” and to the south, “Don’t detain them.” Bring my sons from far away, and my daughters from the end of the earth, 7 everyone who is called by my name and whom I created for my glory, whom I have formed and made.
Good Morning, Do not fear! God will take care of us!
As I look out upon this foggy morning, I find comfort in the softened edges of the things surrounding me. However, if I needed to be out driving somewhere, I would have a totally different feeling about the fog because I would want a clearly defined path upon which to operate.
During our lifetime we have similar experiences. There are times when we want those sharp edges and clearly marked pathways as we step into our future. Think of those times when you need to get somewhere as quickly as possible. If you have an appointment, you determine how much time you need to get there and the best path so that you will arrive at the appointed time. We might leave ourselves a little wiggle room, but depending upon our circumstances this might be a luxury that we don’t have. We want and need a clearly marked path.
Other times, we are happy to wander a bit and embrace where our journey takes us as we take note of our surroundings at this slower pace. When I was growing up, my family called this taking the scenic route. On these excursions, the destination is often not the end goal. The trip was all about the experiences encountered along our journey: stopping for a turtle to cross the road or examining an unexpected flower along a rocky path.
Sadly, many of our lives are so busy that we have little time for going the scenic route, or even when we choose to take the time, we are distracted by silly things like our devices. Remember when you just walked or drove along a path without the aid of GPS? You looked at signs and landmarks along the way. That’s how we discovered many of those unexpected treasures. It’s hard to see the signs when our noses are buried in our devices.
God presents us with signs to lead us along our path to eternal glory. Sometimes, our paths seem rocky or covered with potholes, but God will be with us. Don’t fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. It is hard for us to let go and trust God especially when we are too busy to look for the signs to show us our way.
We must open ourselves to the moving of the Holy Spirit within us so that we don’t miss our part in God’s miraculous plan. Some days will be clear, while others are foggy. Even in the foggiest moments of our lives, Jesus will light our way.
Gracious God, Thank You for loving us. We are often so busy that we miss Your signs. Help us slow down and see what is before us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: When I am surrounded by trouble, I will reach for the light of Christ.
Be present to God’s signs! Pastor Liz
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