Apr 08
Today’s Truth
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your path.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Friend to Friend
Not too long ago I was sitting in an airport waiting for my delayed flight to board. To pass the time, I was doing something that comes natural to me as a physical therapist—I was analyzing people’s gait (their 
walking style/posture) as they strolled by. I had just diagnosed a weak left hip muscle in a middle-aged woman when I turned my head to the right to lock my eyes onto my next “patient.” What I found was something quite out of the ordinary. A blind man was walking by, his left arm linked with a sighted man’s right arm. Now, this wasn’t what I found to be curious. What was interesting was that even though the blind man was being led by someone with full sight, he continued to use the walking stick he held in his other hand to methodically sweep the path ahead of him as he walked. Huh. Why was he doing this? Did he not trust his guide to lead him in a clear path or was it done by habit?
While I was considering these two options the Lord leaned into my ear in that moment and said, “This is the way I want you to walk with me, Lisa.” Suddenly I understood. You see, Jesus is the eternally-sighted One. He desires to be my Guide, and in order for this to be accomplished, my arm (life) needs to be linked with His. Once that connection is in place, it becomes my responsibility to navigate the day-to-day jaunts that He has entrusted me to take, all while relying on the mighty support His Arm provides—just as the blind man was doing that day as he made his way through the airport. God does His part, and we must do ours.
Truth be told, I can be blind to the ways of the Lord. There have been times when I’ve un-linked my arm with Christ’s and tried to navigate my life with my own understanding. Sure, I read God’s Word, but then I look forward at the circumstances ahead of me, and I think I’ve got a good handle on things. So, off I go, ambitiously “swinging my stick” side to side while pressing forward. The problem is, at the end of the day, the week, or the month, I’m lost. I’m nowhere near the “gate” the Lord had intended to lead me to.
That day in the airport I recommitted myself to staying linked to the Lord, not simply satisfied with the knowledge that He is near (and therefore prone to “lean on my own understanding”). Looking back, I am grateful for that particular flight delay. It allowed me to see my times of “blind ambition” for what they are: a disconnected, un-Guided pursuit which failed to deliver me to the Lord’s intended outcome.
Let’s Pray
Lord, when I am tempted to run on ahead of you, or even to lag behind you, please remind me that you and I were meant to be linked through your Holy Spirit; to be in step. Today I acknowledge my reliance on you in order for my paths to be made straight—directed towards your will—each and every day.
In the mighty Name of Jesus I pray,
Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn: In what situations are you most prone to “go it alone,” confident in your own understanding? Invite the Lord to take your arm and assist you in navigating through it. Begin by intentionally praying for wisdom, clear direction, and for the Holy Spirit to empower your thoughts, words, and actions.
More from the Girlfriends
Overcoming Back and Neck Pain (Harvest House Publishers) is one of Lisa’s six books in her Restoring Your Temple® health resource collection. Her books are available on Amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, or wherever books are sold.
I’ve never commented before, but as a parent of a blind teenage son I wanted to share that what the blind man was doing had nothing to do with either lack of trust or just habit. Having a white cane allows for “input” at all times about upcoming hazards, be it a crack in the floor or a step. A sighted guide allows for more quick and sure walking, as well as verbal prompts, but a white cane is a blind person’s access to mobility in any and all situations.
Tina–thank you so much for sharing this knowledge with me! I have never know a blind person personally to ask about the “whys” of how they use their walking stick. It makes perfect sense now. So glad you joined us today!
I so needed this today! Lost my job yesterday,of 7 years! But, I will press on! Prayers please!
Sweet Pamela, let’s agree in prayer here:
Father God, Provider, Protector, the Lifter of our heads–Pamela and I come before you and ask first of all for your peace for her, the absolute knowing that you are in control and that you see her and that you will act according to your will in her life. We pray for the restoration of a job, one sent directly from heaven, sent in your perfect timing. In your powerful and precious name, Amen!
On today’s date, 9/30/16, there was a Friday Friend, Lisa, but no-where could I find her last name. Makes it kind of difficult to find books by her if I don’t have a last name. Today’s devotional was really good. I appreciate everything the 3 of you do, week in and week out!
Here is a link to Lisa’s Guest Writer page on the GiG website: https://girlfriendsingod.com/lisa-morrone/
Thanks, Carol for inquiring as to my identity. I assure you I was not attempting to be a “mystery guest” today–just a computer/website glitch. I am so blessed to hear that today’s devotional touched your heart.
Many blessings,
Lisa
I haven’t had the GiG app since I switched to Samsung from iPhone which has been a few months now (and ive missed it!) but tonight I felt a nudge to look on the GiG website and I read this from Lisa.
Prov 3 vs 5-6 is my baptism verse and although my walk with God isn’t as impressive as some people’s, or maybe as consistent, God has been talking to me most of the year about taking His hand and following His lead. I don’t know how to do that but I’m hoping I’ll find out how! So to read something where both my special verse and a devotional on what God is saying to me are all in one place is just amazing. I hadnt ever really put the spoken and written word together so thank you for the insight xxxx
Lisa–Isn’t it incredible when the Lord first speaks to us through His Word, then through our hearts, and finally through the words of another Believer? It’s the “triple crown” of confirmation! Consistent prayer (specific prayer) and reading of Scripture will unfold the Lord’s truth to you and then you begin to sense His direction in your spirit. We must make choices everyday–some of which seem unclear, but knowing the Lord intimately through prayer and Bible reading will help you to know what choices line up with His plans.
Thank you for today’s devotion. On Monday my work told us the last day of business is Nov 30. I have been with this business since it opened 22 years ago. I will be out of a job. As the single money earner to this family it is scary. My husband has multiply health problems & can’t work. I have an autoimmune disease,Lupus, but by Gods grace I can work. The message today gives me the tools & hope. I will link arms with my Loving God & let him lead me. Asking for prayers please.
Oh, Jerri–this is certainly news that disturbs the soul of a human. We are fragile by nature and prone to worry. Yet our Lord tell us not to worry (‘cuz it’s apparently a choice, we can chose NOT to worry) but rather to cast all our cares on Him because He cares for us. Jerri, every hardship I have ever endured has come with a blessing of growing closer to and more dependent upon Jesus. May this time of uncertainty and wait bring you a sweet intimacy with your Savior that would not have come your way, but by this trail.
All that said, Lord I ask for your miraculous provision for all the things that Jerri’s family needs. May you provide in such a way that they can only say, “This has come from our God!”
Lisa,
This was an amazing devotional and much needed reminder ! I’ve had so many health issues , hospital visits , financial issues as well as emotional and physically drained . My family and I have been through so much it seems the last several months . I know if I (we ) keep our eyes on the Lord and lead Hil lead and guide us , we will get through this difficult time . It’s just been too much too handle for our little family all since the end of May !
I know we are blessed as I have been in ICU and bad shape several times and the hope and prayers is what has brought us ( me ) through it all .
I need the reminder to less God lead me as I trust in him in all areas as the blind man did in this example .
Thanks and blessings to you all 💜🙏
Jen–please see my reply to you referencing El Roi. Somehow your comment and my reply were separated.
Thank you for this beautiful reminder of how much we need to trust God.
Mary Jane–thank you for your sweet encouragement! It is so good to be a part of the GIG writer’s team, and to get to bless and be blessed by women such as yourself!
Oh, sweet sister–We serve a God who was first named by a woman: El Roi–the God who sees. The LORD sees you, Jen. And not only does He see you, He holds you. Firmly. I pray that the remainder of this year would find you moving closer to wellness. This time of extreme trial in your life is not a waste of time, but it will serve a purpose because Jesus is the Redeemer of all things placed in His hands.
Yes so true! While being completely dependant on God, we should not forget that He has also equipped us and we have our share of work to accomplish. Great reminder! Thanks so much. God bless you
: D
I’m so thankful to you. I just check out your website and from the free resource page found an article on the exercise for TMJ. It’s such a very timely piece because my elder brother is diagnosed with this problem last Friday. He worries and has started taking soft food which is not much appetizing. In fact, part of the reasons why suffering from the jaw problem is due to work stress and job stability. May I have your prayer for him?
Wow, God’s timing is perfect, isn’t it!?!
Dear Lord, I do pray for this man who is suffering with jaw/facial pain–I ask that you would bring healing to him through these exercises and through the “time out” he’s giving his jaw through a soft food diet. We ask all this in the mighty name of Jesus! Amen
God always amazes me even when I attempt to walk away from His leading. Especially when I’m just feeling overwhelmed. I tend to want to hide from every one…especially family and friends. Also, when I’m mad or upset with Him, I pout and try to do things my way instead of letting him lead me. I am so thankful He never ever gives up on me whether it be a gentle push or something firmer. And when I’m really feeling sorry for myself,,,He pushes me into situations that He knows will be good for my spiritual growth. The last several months have been especially trying on our whole family in different ways. But though it’s been hard…He reminds me that He in charge, I need to maintain an attitude of praise in ALL my circumstances…not for the trials and tribulations, but IN them. God inhabits the praises of His people. Thank you to God for His timely reminders!
Crystal, I am Just reading your comment now and am reminded of the lyrics to a Casting Crowns song: “Your world is not falling apart, it’s falling into place.” God’s promises never fail. You have the proper focus. We are to give praise IN all things, not necessarily FOR all things. Life can be hard, but our God is FIRM, amen?