Holding Hands by Jeanette Morris

For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear, I will help you. (Isaiah 41:13 NIV)

My Russian friend Natalia adores her grandchildren. She loves to delight their hearts by creating memorable experiences out of ordinary events, even just walking the familiar route to their house from hers.

On their way through the downtown traffic, they pass a market surrounded by thick, knee-high ropes affixed to concrete pillars, which separate the sidewalk from the hazardous parking lot. Eugenia and Mita cannot resist their granny’s urging to hop up onto the rope and pretend they are circus performers on the high wire.

“Look straight ahead to the next post,” Natalia encourages, “and hold my hand tight. You cannot fall beyond my reach. Don’t be afraid! Granny knows the way.”

Such a bright illustration for our walk of faith in Christ. As we reach out our hands to the Father, he grabs hold and promises to help us cross the treacherous tightropes we so often find ourselves balancing upon. The place of safety is straight ahead—on the Rock of our Salvation—Jesus.

Lord, help me to keep my fragile hands outstretched in faith to your mighty ones.

 –Jeanette Morris 2008