Encountering God’s Love: Face to FaceChikamu

Day Four: Safety

Where do you feel the most safe?

Growing up I felt safest when I was at home with my family. Especially during a snowstorm or thunderstorm when dad kept the fire burning in the fireplace and mom kept the hot chocolate (with marshmallows of course) coming. At those times it didn’t matter what was happening with the weather outside; I knew that I was safe inside.

This sense of safety took on new meaning when my family took a holiday to northern Michigan hiking the Porcupine Mountains. This is renowned as being the largest and most remote of state parks in Michigan. When you research the hiking difficulty for the Porcupine Mountains it comes up ‘hard’, and I assure you, they weren’t exaggerating. Black bears are common in this area and hot showers are nowhere to be found – a five-star holiday this was not. 

But knowing that my father was there provided all the safety I needed because I knew he would not have brought his children where he could not have provided for them. Though it was difficult, challenging, messy, and tiring it turned out to be one of our most reminisced holidays. Every need was taken care of – with even a few treats thrown in to keep us motivated for the journey.

Having our Heavenly Father walk the journey with us means we are never left alone and most certainly are never left unprotected. My dad would have given his life for mine and your Father has already given the life of his Son for you; you are that loved. Because I knew that my father was nearby, I ventured further than I would have ever gone on my own. I was relaxed, knowing that he was watching to ensure no enemy was able to hurt me. Having my father, literally, blaze the trail in front of me meant that as long as I followed in his footsteps I was guaranteed not to get lost and, even more than that, enjoy some incredible scenery along the journey. Risk-taking becomes more fun within healthy boundaries of freedom.

It was a great lesson at an early age, especially as it relates to faith: to see what others fail to see, you must walk where others fear to go. 

Having a good father to guide you makes all the difference. 

Reflect: 

Do you think spending increased time with God helped Moses take risks later in life?

How have you felt guided by the Father over your lifetime? 

Has it increased your desire to take faith risks?