When he hesitated, the men grasped his hand and the hands of his wife and of his two daughters and led them safely out of the city, for the LORD was merciful to them. Genesis 19:16
Are you familiar with the story of Sodom and Gomorrah? The people had acted so wickedly that God determined to destroy both of the cities. He had sent two angels to do the work, but before they carried out the destruction they urged Lot to take his family and flee. While Lot told his sons-in-law to get out of the city, for some reason he, himself, hesitated.
Yet, while Lot was hesitating, God — in His mercy — grabbed him and his family by the hand and led them out of the city. I wonder if at the time Lot was upset with the angels for forcing him out. I wonder if he thought they were trying to harm him in some way, or that they might be trying to steal his home. I wonder if he thought he couldn't trust them. I wonder how amazed and thankful he was after he saw what happened to Sodom.
And I wonder how many times God — in His mercy — has grabbed me by the hand and led me away from danger when I hesitated to go. I may never know how God has protected me in my life, but I am sure He has. And I am thankful. Let us hold tightly to His hand every day of our lives, trusting Him to do what He knows is best.
Karen Hossink
Thanks for these thoughts, Karen. It was great to sort of sit back and think about all of the times I know God has taken me by the hand to pull me out of a situation that wasn't good for me. And I wonder how many other times there are where I don't even realize He has intervened on my behalf. How amazing that the God of the universe is concerned enough with me to protect me in such a personal way.
ReplyDeleteAs I read your post, I thought back to a time a few years ago, when God pulled me away from a job that I wanted very much. At the time, I was devastated. Now, however, I look back and see that the job change was for my good. My current employer is a secular organization, but the organization’s mission emphasizes service to the community. The earlier job provided greater opportunities for professional advancement, but in an organizational setting that subtly encouraged selfishness and an emphasis on personal promotion. Periodically reflecting on that experience is an important way for me to remember God’s faithfulness to me.
ReplyDeletePatty - I have had several experiences when I have been distracted or delayed for some reason (which I thought was annoying at the time) and passed an accident when I finally got back on track. Then the thought has come to me, Was God protecting me with that distraction?
ReplyDeleteI may never know for sure, but I am choosing to believe those are times when Mercy grabbed hold of my hand and led me to safety.
Yes, it is amazing to know He is that concerned!
~Karen
Marilyn - God always knows best, doesn't He? What a great story you have of His faithfulness to lead you in the right direction!
ReplyDelete~Karen