Manna and Coffee

I have a neighbor who takes her dog for a “walk” three or four times a day. It is a cute little Pekingese and is thoroughly spoiled. What is unusual is the owner usually carries the pup to a nearby fire hydrant or tree and then carries it back home.

Isn’t this what God does for us as He carries us through the valleys of desperation, over the mountains of loneliness and across the seas of hopelessness? He holds us with eternal tenderness and care, cradles us with love and grace and supports us with the strength of the Almighty Father.

It reminds me of the uplifting and memorable Footprints in the Sand,[1]   

“One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.

Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.

In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.

Sometimes there were two sets of footprints, other times there was only one.

This bothered me because I noticed how during the low periods of my life,

when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat,

I could only see one set of footprints so I said to the Lord,

You promised me Lord, that if I followed you, you would walk with me always.

But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life

there has only been one set of footprints in the sand.

Why, when I need you most,

have you not been there for me?”

The Lord replied,

“The years when you have seen only one set of footprints, my child,

is when I carried you.”

This is called assurance by faith. Faith in the unseen God, faith in His promise and faith in His love.

Luke 15:4-6