Back Off Devil!!

As I looked out the bedroom window, I could tell it was going to be another one of God’s spectacularly beautiful days! You just can’t beat that Carolina blue sky, no clouds, and the green tree tops outlining the landscape. I proceeded to get ready for our trip to Chase City. Today is the day we visit with the Centenary PreSchool kids using our great puppets, Bobby & Jasmine. The kids this year don’t know our names yet, but they know Bobby’s name!!

Mike and I left the house, and we turned on to Virginia Avenue headed toward the lake. We were both startled to see no lake. There was a great fog covering the lake and the bridge. What? Where did that come from? (Wish I had been able to take a picture!)

By the time we neared the bridge, we could see a short distance onto the bridge. While on the bridge, we could not see the railroad or bypass bridges on either side. It was so thick and so unexpected. I wasn't worried because the bridge was there yesterday so why wouldn't it still be extended across the lake like it always is? Wouldn't the enemy like to "plant" that idea in my head!

It was then that God reminded me of one of the devotionals I had read this morning from Jesus Calling, October 6.

“Be willing to follow where I lead. Follow Me wholeheartedly, with glad anticipation quickening your pace. Though you don’t know what lies ahead, I know; and that is enough! Some of my richest blessings are just around the bend: out of sight, but nonetheless very real. To receive these gifts, you must walk by faith--not by sight.”

Here we were approaching the bridge that was only partially visible, and God was telling me to walk by faith--not by sight. The enemy could easily have had this conservation with me:

• Enemy: How do you know that the bridge is still there and complete to the other side of the lake?

• Rachel: Simple. It has always been there and complete - my entire life.

• Enemy: But how do you know that something didn’t happen overnight, and the bridge is partially missing?

• Rachel: I know because I have faith that the bridge is still complete and nothing has happened to it. I have driven/ridden over this bridge for 66 years now. The town/state follow the proper maintenance requirements on the bridge. Nothing has happened to the bridge. Now leave me alone!!

But I wouldn't let him if he tried! Instead God had this conversation with me.

• God: Be willing to follow where I lead.

• Rachel: God, sometimes I am hesitant to do that because I can’t see what will happen. The fog is too thick, and it makes me a little nervous, especially around water.

• God: Have I ever let you down? Have you been led astray when you did follow me into the unknown?

• Rachel: Well, no, God. You have led me and taken care of me in new situations and experiences, and I have enjoyed and benefited from them. You always seem to teach me something, and I don’t need to be hesitant. Sorry, God! I need to trust you completely and follow you without question. You have never let me down! Thanks, God!

We traveled across the bridge, and indeed, it was complete to the other side! But think about this: how many times have we allowed the enemy to "plant" ideas in our minds which caused us to not trust God so much? Was there any truth to what the enemy was telling me? What if we were strangers to Clarksville and didn't know what laid ahead through the fog? That slightest shred of doubt can creep into our minds so easily, and it completely changes our focus and our connection with God.

My God knows me so very well! He knows that it benefits me to have "visual" examples of what I am reading or hearing. I can read and understand 2 Corinthians 5:7, but what a difference when there is a visual to go with it! Somehow it makes the verse more applicable to my everyday life. God, I thank you for this awesome example of walking by faith.

Thanks for stopping by,

Rachel