A book I read
decades ago made an impact on how I view the world and all that is difficult to
understand. The book is called, “Hinds Feet On High Places,” by Hannah Hurnard.
The book is an allegory following a girl by the name of Much Afraid. Like us, Much
Afraid has some pesky relatives, hindering her journey; relatives like
self-pity, bitterness and pride.
Much-Afraid wants
to follow the Good Shepherd. She sees him by the river and with His eyes full
of compassion and patience, waiting for her to be ready.
Slowly and surely,
Much-Afraid begins to trust the Shepherd. Her relatives call out to her and
make her stumble along the way. Her weak leg brings added challenges to the
already-difficult journey. And the Shepherd takes her up a steep mountain path
as she moves toward the High Places.
She does not understand,
until much later, why He chooses Suffering and Sorrow as her companions on this
endless journey. Along the way, there are frightening storms and unfamiliar
terrain. She often wonders why the Shepherd does not choose the much easier
path for her. One day, after seeing the sun shine through after one such tragic
storm, she realizes she is filled with joy and peace.
We can all relate
to the journey of Much Afraid. We have experienced fear, storms, weakness,
self-pity, bitterness and pride, all shared emotions and weaknesses. Our
weaknesses, whether physical, emotional or spiritual can be used by our Mighty
God. His strength shines brightest when we need Him the most. God’s grace is
sufficient for us every minute of every day.
But He
said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in
weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses so
that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9
Father,
We rely on You in our weakest moments. Your strength is made
perfect in weakness. Use us through the storms, through the fear, through the
pride, through the disabilities, through all of the weakest parts of us. And
show us how to trust You through it all.
In Jesus name,
Amen
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