DAY ONE - Invitation to live Assured

Lessons I’ve been reminded from Bella

Practical ways God’s inviting me to live Assured, Faithful, Chosen, Humble, Justly, Prayfully, and Hopefully

Deuteronomy 31: 6-8 (NIV)

 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

My Lesson~ Bella and I were out for our walk today, and what an amazing day it was. The bright sun warmed our faces as the autumn winds blew the colorful leaves, as if inviting them to dance to music only they could hear. Straight ahead at the end of the sidewalk, two black large lumps appeared in the distance. Apparently, unbeknownst to Bella, someone did a little yard work yesterday and bagged their leaves and left them on the curb. As we approached, Bella fell back behind my steps and slowed down until I was tugging her forward. Her eyes were firmly fixed in fear on the unknown AKA- the trash bags. I said, “It’s okay. It’s safe… only some bags with clippings.” I tried to tug her forward, but she refused to be moved. So, I picked her up and snuggled her in my arms and told her it was safe -- she was safe. But instead of being able to enjoy my embrace she could only see those bags! Her body language clearly said, “Nope, not trusting it Mom.”

How I can relate! The garbage bags of Life sometimes really stink and who would want to walk towards them? Instead of abiding and trusting in His leading, I feel the internal urge to run away and hide. My focus gets so fixed on my fears at times that it paralyzes me to go and do what God is calling me to do; which is to trust Him. His plans are for my good and His glory so why do I fear? He promises to never leave me or forsake me -- even when I need to face those dreaded trash bags. 

Prayer~ Lord, help me to remember that you see and understand the path you are leading me on even when there is something fearful, or that I don’t understand, tempting me to take my eyes off of you. Forgive me for the times when I doubt. Forgive me for the times when I forget that You are with me. Forgive me for the times that I seek refuge and protection from anything or anyone other than you. Help me today to trust in You.

Invitation~  Walk in the confidence that wherever God leads me today, He will provide and sustain.