God is behind you and beside you

Hello friends! It has been a while since I have shared my thoughts here. Many of you already know this year brought a lot of changes in my life, the biggest of which was a move. A big move which affected not just me and my husband but my children and grandchildren as well. It would take a blog post of its own to share all the details so that is another topic for another day. Suffice it to say that God’s grace and the faithful prayers of many close friends and family helped us maneuver yet another chapter in our lives. Things are finally settling down just in time for the upcoming holidays. Even though I have been away from blogging for a few months, the nuggets have continued to swirl around in my head. I’ve made mental notes as well as sticky notes on a number of topics so as not to forget the things my heart wants to share in time. So here I am, ready and eager to share some hope and inspiration with each of you, my faithful nuggets followers!

One of the things I love about our new subdivision is the walking trail that winds throughout the neighborhood. I have enjoyed walking the scenic path as well as watching my neighbors as they take a walk or run. The location of my home office gives me a wonderful view of the trail just beyond my backyard. On any given day I can watch people walking or jogging by. Many of them walk their dogs which I have fun with because I try to surmise, in my mind, how a particular breed “fits” their owner. In addition, it is a delight to watch families taking an afternoon or evening stroll together.

Earlier this fall I was at my desk which I strategically positioned by the windows in my office. It was a brilliant Autumn afternoon, the kind that just beckons you to enjoy the outdoors. From the corner of my eye, I saw a little girl about 5 years of age, racing down the trail on her bicycle. Every few seconds she would stop and look back, then wave and smile. Following behind her about fifteen yards or so was a man with a much smaller child on a tricycle. I quickly gathered that he was the dad out walking with his two children. The father was keeping a close eye on the little boy as he carefully maneuvered his small trike. Every now and then he would place his hand on the little boy’s shoulder or back and say something while nodding his head up and down. It was obvious he was encouraging his small son that he was doing a great job. I imagine he was even saying to him that in time, he too would be able to race on a bike like his big sister. As I continued to observe the dynamics, I noticed another thing. Every time the little girl would stop and look back at her father, he would smile and nod as he would give her a thumbs up or wave at her to keep going.

As I continued to watch the man with his children, these thoughts came to me. These two children were a different age and at a different stage of growth and development. But the father knew just what each of his children needed to keep moving forward on that bike trail. He kept encouraging his daughter to keep riding because he was right behind her if she needed his help in any way. It was perfectly ok that she was a bit further ahead of her daddy because she had more experience. At the same time, she was reassured that her father was still behind her, watching for her safety. The father stayed right by his small son and was well aware that he was just learning a new skill which made him more vulnerable. He reassured his son that he would catch him if he fell or got stuck on the path.

That’s when my Heavenly Father dropped a sweet nugget into my heart.

At that moment, he reminded me that he is just like that father with his two children. He watches every one of his children no matter which “stage” of life they are in.

Some of us are seasoned Christians who have learned to maneuver our share of battles on those walking trails of life.

Some of us are baby Christians taking those first steps of faith wanting to be bold and seasoned but not quite sure how to do that.

Regardless of where we are in our Christian faith walk (or ride), our Abba Father is right behind us and right beside us! At times he will watch us racing along our path and he gives us that reassuring thumbs up and shouts, “Keep going. You are doing great. I am right behind you!” Other times, he hovers over us as we step out in a new direction with uncertain faith. He lovingly puts his mighty hand on our back or shoulder and whispers, “It’s ok my child. Daddy is right beside you. I am here to catch you if you fall. We are doing this together!”

What love! What a Father!

My friend, I don’t know which path your faith walk is leading you to right now. But I hope that no matter where you find yourself, you will rest assured in knowing that your Father is walking the path with you. So keep going. You are doing great and you’re not alone. He is the best Father and that is his promise to you, his dearly loved child!

PS: Now, do share! Are you on a bicycle or a tricycle right now? I want to cheer you on because your Heavenly Father is doing the same! How can I pray for you today? Leave a comment below.

 

Note: This blog post was written by Rosie Williams and first appeared on Nuggets from the Heart. This blog post, either in part or in its entirety, may not be copied, duplicated, edited or appear in any other publication without the written approval or permission from the author. For full copyright and disclosure information, click here. For questions regarding the use of this blog post, you may send an email to Rosie Williams by clicking here.