Safe Hands

 

...and I give eternal life to them
and they will never perish; and no
one will snatch them out of My hand.
My Father, who has given them
to Me, is greater than all, and no
one is able to snatch them out
of the Father's hand.
John 10:28-29
(NASV)

It is interesting and even fun to observe families who come to our area for vacation and how they interact with each other within their own family circles. In many cases, parents have ventured away from home with their teenage children. At first glance, I feel sorry for them, especially if they are observed in certain areas of our national park where cell phones just don't work. There's nothing like a riled up teenager who, for any reason, can't use a cell phone. There are some children, even age 8 and up who want to let the world know that they would rather be home on the couch with their electronics. They aren't used to being in the out of doors any longer than for the time they spend outside waiting on a school bus.

I love watching the young couples with very young children. Boys and girls, especially 4-8 seem fascinated by the wonder of all the park has to offer. They want to wade in every stream, hike every trail and spot any animal that walks. Young children can be seen in strollers and babies in the newest of baby back packs. All parents I've seen seem to be very safety conscious in such a big place where their children are concerned.

When our oldest child, Jennie, was only about three years of age, we came to this place on vacation. We walked on an easy paved trail with Brian holding tight to Jennie's hand. It got to be no matter where we went, Jennie's little hand was in her Daddy's big, safe hand. After a couple of days, Jennie began resisting Brian's taking hold of her hand and this was happening throughout a particular day. It dawned on me to look at Jennie's hand to see if there was a bug bite or some other irritant. The back of her little hand had places of light blue
bruising. Brian had held tightly to her hand for a couple of days and it had become sore. Brian only meant to keep Jennie safe and I'm not sure anyone could have pried her hand from his. I must say that at times in God's hand, I feel a little bruised from circumstances. I know it's probably because I struggle against the firmness of the safety and protection He provides.

Jesus was speaking in Chapter 10 of John regarding His shepherding of us and of His Father's reinforcement of that special care. I am so blessed and encouraged regarding my Heavenly Father's care of me. He doesn't just hold my hand, He holds me IN His hand and not only am I safe from the outside forces of Satan that would do me harm, but nothing or no one can remove me from God's powerful hand. If anything touches my life, it will be because for my good and God's glory, He allows it.

When we accept Jesus as personal Savior, we as much as take up residence in the hand of our Heavenly Father and nothing can change that. When I think of the word “snatch,” I think of someone who is “up to no good.” I think of thieves or criminals of some sort who often take in violent ways what doesn't belong to them. Sounds like the kind of underhanded methods Satan would use to get to us. For criminals, we have police, FBI and the National Guard if necessary to contain or control them. I must admit at times to not feel very secure about today's protection against criminal activity. However, even with all of that, my security doesn't rest with civil authorities. There is no one or nothing that can grab and snatch me from the hand of my Heavenly Father. Jesus is a part of that blessed team and thus I can rest.

We often look to world conditions and entertain feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. That is about all the world has to offer you and me. We can rest in the fact that God is boss, is in charge and is our all in all. All of our times are in His hands. He is loving and determines the path we take in our lives. If He allows pain or suffering in our lives, although we don't understand the process, He still has good and purpose as His intent all the time.

May we renew a deep appreciation within ourselves of God's loving care and security He has for us. May we not resist His care, but allow Him to REALLY be God in our lives. In His hand is the safest place we can be.

Thank You Father, for loving us so much that You want to keep us near to Yourself. Thank You for being in control of our lives and of the paths yu want us to take. In Jesus' precious name...Amen.