Step by Step, Stumble by Stumble
A Disturbing Image
The Lord held my hand as we walked in the middle of a long two-lane road. Suddenly, as he and I kept walking forward, an image of me stumbling and falling, and the Lord picking me up with his right hand, began duplicating itself behind us hundreds of times in a quickly oscillating motion back to the horizon.
I thought, “The Lord is reminding me about how many times I’ve stumbled and fallen, and how many times he was there to pick me up.” Then I woke up. I was dreaming.
I’m one of those people who have been blessed to have very vivid and detailed dreams. I also know when I’m in a dream and can often comment on what’s happening while dreaming.
When I stumble, he extends his mighty right hand.
That you and I will stumble and fall many times throughout our lives is a given. Whether or not you are a believer, the Lord’s right hand is always there to help lift you up. It’s never a question of the Lord’s willingness to lift us up. It’s a matter of us accepting his freely given saving grace and walking in obedience at his side.
We Will All Stumble Many Times
Even as someone who bears Christ’s name, there is one thing we can count on, we will stumble and fall many, many times. How many times? To use a phrase Jesus uses in the Gospel of Matthew regarding forgiveness, we will stumble and fall “seventy times seven times,” a phrase that symbolizes boundlessness.
The Lord Lifts Us Up
Looking at this reality from a theological perspective, regardless of one’s belief system, it’s natural for us to think of wrongdoing, sin, and backsliding. But the Lord is also ready
to lift us up when we lose a loved one, lose a job, suffer illness, and drift into despair and depression. It’s often at these times when our faith falters and we fall prey to the evil one’s creative devices. It’s at these times, when falling before the Lord in prayer is a must.
In conclusion, I’m thankful the Lord was in my dream lifting me up with his right hand, for the extension of God’s right hand is a common metaphor used in the Bible for his awesome power and omnipotence. What a blessing we have with the Lord at our side, every step of the way, every stumble of every day.
Additional reading:
Listen to God's Words
The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand. (Psalm 37:23-24)
I was pushed back and about to fall, but the Lord helped me. (Psalm 118:13)
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. (1 Peter 5:6)
Also read: Proverbs 24:16, Samuel 22:37, 2 Corinthians 4:8-10
In the Words of Others
“When we fall down, God is always there to pick you back up.” Joyce Meyer
“Never trust anyone completely but God. Love people but put your full trust only in God.” Lawrence Welk
“Let your life reflect the faith you have in God. Fear nothing and pray about everything. Be strong, trust God's word, and trust the process.” Germany Kent Think About It
Do you recall a time when you stumbled and fell spiritually, and how the Lord gave you strength to get back up? Describe how you believe he worked in your mind and heart at the time.
Can you cite times when you suffered a loss of some kind, and people and events helped you get through the tough times, and get back on your feet? Consider how the Lord played a role.
Recall the stories about Joseph in the Old Testament and Peter the apostle in the New Testament. How did they stumble? How did the Lord help them fulfill their ultimate destiny?
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