The other day Zachary decided to take Prancer (our dog) for a walk. Prancer was so excited at first. Zachary is so energetic and magnetic and happy and eager to spend time with Prancer. Zachary walked him around for about 2 minutes (tops) and then tied him to the playground. Prancer got himself wrapped around the slide and ultimately stuck.
I had to go and untangle him. Prancer then followed me back to the porch and sat very close to me. When Zachary came back over to get him, he looked at me with pleading eyes and rested his head on my knee. He planted himself firmly beside me, and no matter how he tugged, Prancer would not allow Zachary to lead him away.
He had been lured away before. It resulted in a hopeless feeling. It resulted in trouble. It resulted in being stuck, almost unable to breathe. He knew the outcome, and what he needed to do to protect himself. He needed me.
What lures you away? I wonder if it looks as cute and sweet as my precious Zachary. One more click on that questionable site? One more bracelet on an already maxed out credit card? One more angry outburst? One more time with the forbidden fruit?
‘but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.’ James 1:14-18, 21
There are messes that we create which have to be untangled by the very hand of God. There are times when we have to rest in Him, with eyes fixed on Him, so as not to be lured away. Know your weakness. Trust Him to see you through it.
‘If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.’ 1 John 1:9
His grace is greater than you can imagine. It is overwhelming and all encompassing of your past, and your present. It is perfect and endless and amazing. You need only to receive it. And then…..He will never lead you astray, He will only lead in the way everlasting. Follow Him. Trust His voice….
‘The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.’ John 10:3
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.
His oath, His covenant, His blood
Support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay.
When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh, may I then in Him be found;
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.
I’m standing on the Rock today. Trusting Him, and Him alone.
coatsquotes 