This past weekend, Elaine and I had
the opportunity to keep our youngest granddaughter, Josie. For three and half years she has lived in
either Alabama or Texas. Now that she is
closer, we get to spend some quality time with her. We had a “sleepover.” When we picked her up in Nashville, she came
proudly to the truck with suitcase in tow and her little backpack on. We got her all buckled up and off we
went. On the way home we had to stop at
Lowes to get some material for a weekend project. Josie didn’t want to get out; she wanted to
stay in the truck. We told her that both
grand mommy and I would be going in and that would leave her all alone in the
truck. Without hesitation she matter of
factly said; “Jesus will be with me!”
What could I say? Any of my
reasoning or arguments seemed to fall by the wayside compared to her
argument.
Do you and I feel the presence of
Jesus in our life? Do we feel him as a
companion in life who is with us each and every step that we take? Many times I think that we are guilty of only
thinking in terms of being with Jesus in our “eternal home”
(Ecclesiastes 12:5) where we will “be with Christ “(Philippians
1:23). As God’s children, we know that
this world will never truly be home to us.
We are simply pilgrims passing through.
Like the apostle Paul, we especially feel that way when the struggles of
life are hard. While Paul was in Rome
awaiting trial, he would write; “I am hard pressed between the two, having a
desire to depart and be with Christ which is far better” (Philippians
1:23). I think we all would agree that
Paul loved serving Christ, but a part of him really longed to be with the
Savior. It is comforting to know that we
can think ahead to be with Jesus—in a home that is far better. However, it is strengthening to know that we
have Jesus with us now! I believe his
promises to be with us are real. Jesus
said; “...and surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew
28 20). On one occasion Jesus said to
the Jews who were dealing with unbelief; “I give them eternal life, and they
shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:28). I look forward to being with Jesus forever,
but in the meantime, I must be content to know that he is there in the midst of
my trials and struggles. He is wants me
and encourages me to stay away from the temptations that are all around
me. He hurts when I hurt, he smiles when
I laugh. He probably whispers in my ear,
“Listen to your granddaughter she understands!”
May each of us walk daily with Jesus
and feel his presence in our lives.
Luke 18:1
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E-mail me at steve@hawleybooks.com
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