Strength! Courage! Don’t be timid, don’t get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take. Joshua 1:9 The Message
When I was a little girl, we lived next door to my grandparents. Our houses were separated by a deep gully and there was only one place to cross—a well-worn path led across a narrow built-up area. Tall trees grew close on either side. As dusk approached, it grew scary to cross for an elementary-aged kid. I stayed at my grandparents’ house till my daddy got home from work. He’d call my grandmother and tell her to send me home. In summer time, it was fine. I didn’t mind crossing by myself. But in the winter, when the daylight was almost gone by the time Daddy got home, I approached the gully crossing slowly and cautiously. Sometimes I’d stand at the edge listening to all the sounds of approaching night, my heart pounding. Then, I’d hear Daddy’s voice on the other side, “Come on. I’m here.”
Many years latter, I was a student working my clinicals to become a Physical Therapist Assistant. The next-to-last clinical was a very bad experience. I worked with an instructor who belittled me and destroyed all my confidence and self-esteem. I had one weekend to get myself together before the final clinical began. I tried to remind myself that all the instructors before had been quite encouraging, but the one I had just worked with managed to override all their positive words. I was scared of the unknown. I once again experienced the gnawing fear I had felt standing at the gully’s edge. The apprehension of what lies ahead can cause a heart to freeze mid-beat! Then I remembered my Heavenly Daddy would be with me. I just needed to listen for His familiar voice. I wouldn’t have to face the last clinical alone—and it turned out to be my best yet.
Father, please let me hear Your voice on the other side so I can follow one step at a time with courage and strength. Amen
