When I walked down the path to the beach, I could tell, by looking ahead towards the sky, that I was going to witness a spectacular display of God’s magnificent art.
Several storms were brewing offshore. You could see the rain cascading from the sky like assorted waterfalls. The clouds were billowing at different levels creating an interesting panorama. The colors of the atmosphere were golden, blue, grey, a soft yellow, lavender, salmon, and fiery orange. With each moment that passes, a new scene was being painted right before my eyes. Glory!
As I sat, with my toes in the sand, I observed and was entertained by conversations of passerbyers and folks scattered like shells along the shore. Family members taking photos, a couple getting engaged, a little sister imitating her older sibling dance on the beach, people admiring the beautiful homes peeking through the sea oats, children frolicking in the gentle waves, a woman relaxing in her chair with a cool drink while she awaits for her husband to return from a jog, and so many more scenes to occupy my time while gazing on God’s masterpiece.
My senses were being captivated, and my mind was rushing with thoughts as I glanced at the footprints in the sand and pondered as to what is taking place in the lives of each individual who left their mark in the sand.
One of my husband’s favorite poems is Footprints in the Sand. In this famous poem the person noticed that there were times in their life when there was only one set of footprints in the sand and not theirs and God’s. The concern was mentioned to God and the person said, “I don’t understand why when I need you most you would leave me.” The Lord replied: “My precious child, I love you and would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.”
Beautiful!
Do you realize that when you have storms in life, you are not alone when you have a relationship with Christ? God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit will never leave you or forsake you. He repeatedly assures us of this fact throughout the Bible.
I could people-watch all day, creating stories for each footprint being imprinted in the sand. All the while I’m conjouring up life scenarios for others, God knows your story. The real story. The real you.
It is my prayer that you will have a personal relationship with God, and allow Him to carry you through your lowest moments in life, and lift Him up in the most difficult and grandest of times. Always giving glory to God through all of life.
Yes, the majestic scene I observed at sunset was and is breathtakingly beautiful, yet…YOU are His greatest masterpiece.
Hold your head up high and allow Christ to shine through you.
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1
“I will still be carrying you when you are old. Your hair will turn gray, and I will still carry you. I made you, and I will carry you to safety.” Isaiah 46:4
Don’t worry—I am with you. Don’t be afraid—I am your God! I will make you strong and help you. I will support you with my right hand that brings victory. Isaiah 41:10
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10
Jesus answered, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. The only way to the Father is through me. John 14:6
Give the Lord praise worthy of his glory. Come into his presence with your offerings. Worship the Lord in all his holy beauty. 1 Chronicles 16:29
Blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie
Footprints:
One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.
Sometimes there were two sets of footprints, other times there were one set of footprints.
This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life,
when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat,
I could see only one set of footprints.
So I said to the Lord,
“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 have only been one set of footprints in the sand.
Why, when I needed you most, you have not been there for me?”
The Lord replied,
“The times when you have seen only one set of footprints is when I carried you.”
