He makes my feet like hinds’ feet
And sets me on my high places.
II Samuel 22: 34 (NASB)
The gray day rains down around me and my body hurts more than usual. Dampness creeps in and my joints hurt and movements slow….my physical disability is evident. It seems fitting my rheumatoid arthritis has flared its ugly head. I’m in pain everywhere and it even hurts to sit. I can barely walk the stairs, the climb is hard. No running is possible, and I’m forced to a standstill. I welcome the slowing down time. I realize I’m exactly where God wants me to be, quiet and leaning in expectantly to Him. Knowing He will speak, I wait to hear His Voice. Emanuel sits close…”God with us”… is beside me. He never lets me down!
Jesus left the crowds and went to the region of Tyre. Longing for solitude, He hoped to slip away unnoticed. When He needed strengthening, He drew away to a quiet place. Often He went to the lakeside or the mountaintop. On this day, Jesus entered a home, a safe haven from the turmoil that was building on the outside. He wasn’t looking to be center stage, seeking recognition and approval of others. A mother soon heard of His arrival; she had a daughter who suffered from an unclean spirit. She sought healing for her child and fell to His feet. Bending low before Jesus, she sacrificed her pride. She understood her place before a Holy God. And knew the longing she was laying down. She asked Him to cast out her daughter’s darkness. And with persistence she kept asking…she wanted her child to be set free. She wasn’t afraid to speak up!
Jesus heard her cries for help and answered. But it wasn’t the response she expected. He told her His children should be satisfied first, and the bread shouldn’t be taken from them and thrown to dogs…the unclean. Though the woman was a Gentile, and not a Jew, she knew He could provide for her. She persisted and didn’t give up. Having faith He could also heal her daughter, she kept asking!
“Yes, Lord, but even the dogs under the table feed on the children’s crumbs.” And He said to her, “Because of this answer go; the demon has gone out of your daughter.” And going back to her home, she found the child lying on the bed, the demon having left. Mark 7:28-30 (NASB)
A mother believed in Jesus’ power and had faith He could do the impossible. Hearing of His miracles, she hurried to His side and begged for the leftovers. She persisted, knowing He could change lives. Whatever was dropped or hadn’t been given away, she wanted! She knew Jesus was worthy of her efforts! She was willing to pick the crumbs up off the floor. And with her faith in Jesus set on the table between them, He spoke truth that made all the difference. Jesus’ words healed; they turned her daughter’s darkness into light. There was no longer an unclean spirit that held her in bondage. Both mother and daughter could begin to focus on the beauty set before them. They both had a purpose as they shared their stories of His miraculous healing. The daughter was set free, her mother overcame her fears, and their days began to have meaning. Jesus’ spoken words mattered!
When our days are bound in darkness, and we feel like we are in over our head, our God is able! If we run to Him and bend our knees, He will answer. His words never fail…they bring clarity and understanding. We don’t have to jump through hoops to speak with Him. He is a breath away and sees our confusion, hears our questions, and knows our thoughts before they even take flight. He enters our home and draws up a chair. Jesus alone is worthy of this seat beside us! For the old man running, his loneliness weighing heavy, the mother afraid in the night, the young teen facing an uncertain future…He meets us in our room of despair. And with His help we can overcome.
For You are my lamp, O Lord; And the Lord illumines my darkness. For by You I can run upon a troop; By my God I can leap over a wall.
II Samuel 22:29,30 (NASB)
When others abandon us and leave without an apology, God doesn’t miss a thing. He sees our desperation and helps us stand strong in His strength. He was mocked and spit on, and lots were cast for His torn clothes. He understands our heartache and enters our darkened place! His words and touch bring life and freedom. He is our Prince of Peace and will still the storm inside and outside. His scraps, the tiniest morsels are what we hunger for. We feast on the crumbs of our Savior and know He is enough! Our God is faithful and never walks away. And He will strengthen our feet and set us on high places. With courage we climb the steep mountain!
He makes my feet like hinds feet
And sets me on my high places.
II Samuel 22: 34 (NASB)
Lord, strengthen my weakened feet and help me to stand! Give me courage to speak boldly your truth. Following your example of humility, also reveal where you wish me to remain silent.
From this day forward,
Lily Mae
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