Several years ago after I had recovered from chemo Jenny and I were gifted a trip to Arizona by our beautiful lifetime friends Anita and Lewis. Seeing the Grand Canyon from the ground would be far different than they view I had as a 12 year-old from 30,000 feet.
It was incredible! If only for moments... to get a glimpse from the South Rim of the Canyon into the unfolding ripples of splendor across the horizon made us catch our breath.
However, we had gotten access to the park rather late in the day. Getting to the canyon felt like crossing eastern Colorado to get to the mountains. And, like the Rockies, it is not unusual for the clouds to gather in the afternoon for a shower.
So what? Well, visibility becomes an issue and the majesty of the canyon can be lost in the clouds.
But more than that, it's flat-out deadly.
You wouldn't know that unless it was
right there in your face.
We had stayed a little too long and
the flashes were becoming more
frequent - the danger more imminent.
That's how it is in our faith life too.
When we come face to face with life and death, God is directing us to take cover in Him - not under a dangerous umbrella, tree, or out in the open - exposed.
Yet most of us, the unbelieving world AND the believing world that operates out of the "flesh" choose to go it alone.
The Apostle Paul describes this in 1 Corinthians 1:26-3:11
When we walk "after the flesh", even though we are saved by His grace, we are living as babies - immature - because we follow our own ways. Our call is to depend and grow in our faith experientially growing in our knowledge of Him.
This week, you may find yourself near the edge of the canyon. On dangerous, but beautiful ground. It is that because our invitation is... to take in the strength, wisdom, and promises of our LORD, then to listen to His prompting to take cover in Him as the storms and opportunities unfold.
Proverbs 3
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Jude
24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.