Pathways Press.com

Written by Nina Pope from the Village Church

“I have always taken care of you.”  were the exact words God whispered in my mind that day.   I was startled at first at the clarity of the statement and the way it came into my awareness.  We were going through an angst-ridden dilemma about a job transfer out of state that sounded promising in daylight, but which tortured our sleep at night…good in so many ways but somehow just not quite right.  So, there I sat on my garden bench pouring out my malaise when God verbally and unmistakably inserted Himself into my predicament.  The matter was not settled, but my mind was instantly at ease when I answered back acknowledging affirmatively that yes, the Good Shepherd was now as always in charge.  Ultimately, other solutions appeared and we did not make the move.  It is a bit of a blur now but was crystal clear then.  That was somewhere in the 70’s. Fast forward to the 21^st century:  After nearly 2 years of uncharted and often unwanted changes following the sudden death of our beloved husband and father, the Good Shepherd has continued unmistakably leading and guiding our family into new directions.  Guidance comes from an astonishing array of sources ~  among others, family inspiration, wisdom, and support from adult children, church fellowship and studies, ongoing encouragement from friends in countless ways, others helping me enlarge my lackluster financial and computer skillset, images and ideas from God, plus solutions related to the trials and tribulations of downsizing, finding suitable new quarters,  moving (!), and making untold adjustments to daily routines and the re-shuffling of life in general.  It has been a ride.  I continue to lean on the everlasting arms. Our God is both infinite and intimate.  It is beyond understanding to contemplate the scope of God’s managing the universe while minding the details of all His creatures…and we don’t even have the full picture yet! I bow my heart in gratitude for all the ways God makes Himself available to me and all humanity, and especially in this particular season as our Immanuel,  God with us presently and eternally.  Merry Christmas!

Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious hand. [Isaiah 41:10]