I’m not sure exactly how old I was. What I do know is we still lived on a gravel road out in the country, we moved to town a month before I turned 3 years old. I was young! My big brother, Josh, was taking me on a walk, pulling me in a little red wagon. We looked down the road a ways…where we were headed, there was what looked like a BIG BLACK CREATURE heading our way. My brother pointed it out to me, I was immediately scared to tears.
What could it be?! Josh wanted the two of us to go see, but I cried, “No!” He said, “Stay here…and I’ll go see what it is.” I was so scared! What if this vicious creature devoured my beloved brother. What if it came to eat me?! My little heart and mind was full of fear!
I watched at Josh walked…finally reaching the “creature”. To my surprise he started walking back my way WITH the creature at his side. Was he crazy?! As they approached the creature’s form started to take shape. My fear changed to delight…a BIG RED DOG!!
Note: I sure didn’t trust Josh much, did I? I should have trusted him more. He was trustworthy. It wasn’t at all what I thought!!
I hopped out of the wagon to meet my new friendly dog friend. He was obviously a young dog, full of spunk and energy. I remember him licking my face as I giggled. What a pleasant surprise! I liked him so much and wanted to keep him. We fed him bologna (a nutritious meal for a dog, don’t ya think?!).
This 30 something old memory is very vivid. But, when I think of it, I am reminded that things aren’t always what they seem. Sometimes we look too far ahead in the future! Sometimes we project what we think might be, when we have no idea what really will be! We spend so much time looking ahead, worrying, trying to figure it all out. Wanting to know how it will all play out.
Jesus said, “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring it’s own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” Matthew 6:34
We don’t know what tomorrow will bring. What we do know is WHO has our future in His hands!
"For I now the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
We don’t have to be consumed with irrational fears. We don’t have to have it all figured out. We just have to TRUST. Read what Jesus said just before he said, “Don’t worry about tomorrow.”
“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:33
Take it one day at a time! It’s okay to make our plans and have goals, but really it’s most important that we follow Him day by day, moment by moment. Looking too far ahead can be overwhelming. However, today we can seek Him and His righteousness above all else. We can find peace, hope and purpose in the daily routine of our lives. We have no idea what tomorrow holds, so why not live life to the fullest…obeying, trusting, loving, and serving today.
“We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.” Proverbs 16:9
I’m not saying we should just sit where we’re comfy looking ahead at the “big creature,” never getting out of the wagon. No, I’m saying, trust the puller of the wagon! Don’t look too far ahead, trust Him just for today, just for this moment…and you may be surprised what good thing comes out of it. It’s probably not going to turn out the way you thought! But, you can bet He has a plan and you can TRUST Him…one day at a time!
Lord, I will serve you just for today...not looking too far ahead, trying to figure it all out. I know You have a plan for my life and that I can trust You and Your plan. Thank you for loving me, giving me a future and a hope. Give me the strength, wisdom and revelation to follow You closely each day because that's what this life is really all about. Amen
Such a great post, Rachel! How often do I let fear rise up in my heart, panic and anxiety taking over when I just need to trust the Puller of my wagon. He has shown Himself faithful time and time again.
ReplyDeleteA much needed reminder today. :)
Hugs,
K
You have grown to be such a beautiful young girl. Rachel has always been a good christian girl and she deserves all the happiness in the world. The first time I saw Rachel was In a car seat that we then called a punkin seat being carried by her dad to a meeting at a little church in Indiana called Horseshoe or Number 11 church. It used to be a one room school house. My father grew up in the community that my father did. I've watched her grow up into a fine lady like her mom. I always ask about you when I see her parents. I ran into her dad about a week ago and told him how beautiful his grandchildren are. You are a very blessed person. Big hugs to the boys. Hope to get to see them in person sometime you are back home. Love, Dona Ditt o
ReplyDeleteSorry I meant her father and my father grew up in the same community.
ReplyDeleteWonderful story/parallel Rachel. I will remember that picture! Great post/ great reminders of "the walk of faith".
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This post reminds me of a similar parallel that Adrian Rogers once said. He said that there is a parade going by, and we look out our window, and can only see what's right in front of us, but God looks down from heaven and sees the entire parade. Good stuff! (How's that sweet baby of yours?)
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