His Grip is Sure
Oh, Lord, keep me aware of You. When I am aware only of me, I get scared
...and very lonely.
With some friends, I was driving into Seattle. It was a beautiful day
and the splendor of that area held my attention until I noticed in the
lane in front of us was a young child riding on the back of a motorcycle.
I noticed the little figure bobbing up and down behind the driver and
wondered what kept the child secure as the motorcycle sped around the
curves of the highway. As we got closer, I noticed there was no safety
brace sustaining the little rider, no safety belt holding him to the driver
or to the open seating of the machine. The only thing providing safety
to the child was his gloveless grip on the back of the driver’s
leather jacket. I was appalled. What kind of adult would allow such a
risk? Leather gets slippery in the cold wind; little fingers get stiff
and lose their strength. All the way to Seattle I muttered out my annoyance
at the motorcyclist. Finally I said, “What kind of father would
trust his child to so unsteady a safety grip?” As I asked that question,
I sensed an error deep in my own spirit. I was fearful of my security
because I thought God entrusted me to my own grip of faith. Never! We
are not held by our grip on God, but by God’s sure grip on us. He
has promised, “I will never, not ever, never, never will I relax
My grip on you.” I am again comforted by the truth, and I am pleased
to share it with you. Hebrews 13:5 (Phillips trans.)
Excerpt
from "Jeannette Clift George, From Center Stage"
