Cold Feet And Strong Arms

The choice lay before her. Darkness, fast overtaking winter twilight, forced her decision. Around the lake to her boarding house was a mile long walk, across the lake half the distance. The young country-school teacher decided the ice was thick enough that she could venture the shorter route. At first, the ice felt solid beneath her feet. But, the closer to the center of the lake she walked, she knew she was in trouble. Here, the ice gave no sure foundation. As she began to run, she glanced over her shoulder in the fading light and saw her footprints like black marks in the ice, running together into a single ribbon.... ....Away in her parents' home, the teacher's mother decided to catch a quick nap before the midweek Bible study and prayer meeting. A dream interrupted her sleep and jolted her awake. Immediately, she set to prayerful intercession for her daughter's protection. And, when the train brought her daughter home for the weekend, the mother greeted her thus: "Why didn't you drop me a postcard and tell me what happened Wednesday night? I had a dream, and I saw you running across the lake with your footprints making a ribbon behind you." My mother was that young teacher who took the shortcut. Unlike my father's stories that aimed at a child's heart, Mom told her stories to prompt us to think. Actions have consequences. But, even in our mistakes, God is faithful. He already has connections to call His prayer warriors into action when we find ourselves in need of a hedge of protection. Just as Peter discovered in a situation similar to my mother's, Jesus' strong arm was right there for him. In his characteristic bravado, Peter had challenged what the apostles feared was a ghost. He told Jesus in effect, if it's really You, then let me come walking on the water, too, to meet you. And, Jesus allowed it all to happen. Peter's story is a personal favorite because it is such a wonderful illustration for all of us. Jesus bids us to come to Him, to walk with Him, to follow where He leads. We, like Peter, step out in faith, knowing our Savior only can be trusted with our life. Keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, as the Scriptures encourage us, is the key to our solid foundation. Only when we find ourselves distracted by the storm around us (or the enemy's reminder that we can't "walk on water," since we are just frail humans, after all) do we suffer that sinking experience along with Peter. But, even in this predicament, what a joy to discover that "underneath are the everlasting arms," of our Lord and Savior. As Corrie ten Boom reminds us, there is no pit so deep but God's love is deeper still. We may lose faith, lose our footing, lose our way. But, Jesus remains faithful, our solid foundation, the Way that is our provision in every circumstance of life. To "read more about it," check: Matthew 14: 22-33; John 14; Deuteronomy 33:27; 1 John 1:7 "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset [us], and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." ---Hebrews 12:1-2 So, may we all lift our voices in praise and adoration of our Lord Emmanuel, in the words of Simeon: "For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people; a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel." (Luke 2:30-32) Originally published as "Footprints Across The Water," The Salt & Light Report in St. Paul's January 2008 Messenger.