Ordinary Time

Pause

“You promised me Lord, that if I followed you, you would walk with me always. But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life there has only been one set of footprints in the sand. Why, when I needed you most, have you not been there for me?”

Mary Stevenson, "Footprints in the Sand," 1936

In our hardest of times it is often difficult to recognize God’s presence. The Lord is carrying us on our journey of faith. We do not walk alone!

Listen

Also, let’s hold on to the confession since we have a great high priest who passed through the heavens, who is Jesus, God’s Son; because we don’t have a high priest who can’t sympathize with our weaknesses but instead one who was tempted in every way that we are, except without sin.

Finally, let’s draw near to the throne of favor with confidence so that we can receive mercy and find grace when we need help.

Hebrews 4:14-16

Think

I read my friend’s diary once. I was terrified that she was annoyed with me, so I read it. Eventually I confessed and told her I’d read her private thoughts. She was mad. She reprimanded me, understandably, but amazingly, she forgave me. She was hurt that I hadn’t trusted her enough to believe that she really did like me for me. Mostly, though, she was sad for my insecurity in myself.

This friend taught me about love. This friend showed me grace. This friend reminded me that I’m important enough to feel confident in myself. This friend retold me of Jesus Christ’s love for me. A love so great that Jesus came to live with us, to die for us, and offer us God’s grace. God incarnate took our sin, experiencing everything that we have or will ever experience, and still loves us. There is nothing in this life that we can do to deserve God’s love. Christ’s love blesses us with confidence so we can offer grace to ourselves and others in the name of God.

Katie Barrett Todd

Pray

God of grace, thank you for loving me in spite of myself. You find value in me when I feel worthless. I pray that I can remember how precious to you I am, precious enough for you to join me here on earth and wash away my blemishes. With an honored, grateful heart, amen.

Go

The “Footprints” poem ends with: The Lord replied, “The years when you have seen only one set of footprints, my child, is when I carried you.”

Go, remembering that God is always with you. Be blessed this day, opening your eyes to gaze upon the glory of the Lord. And remind others who seem to be asking similar questions, that Christ lives in you!