SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1175

“Give Me The Torch”

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. – Psalm 46:1

‘Give me the torch,’ my friend Jim spoke calmly but firmly. Jim was helping me remodel my house and I was on my back in an 18-inch dirt crawl space under the kitchen. I had finished soldering the last copper pipe connection under the sink and the propane torch would not shut off.

Panic began to rise as I envisioned setting myself and the house on fire.

‘Give me the torch,’ Jim calmly insisted. ‘Trust me,’ he repeated. I saw no other option and I slowly maneuvered the flaming torch down toward my knees as far as I could reach. Jim was able to reach the torch and setting it upright extinguished the flame.

I was reminded of this time in my life as I reflected on the trust it took for Mary to yield to the will of God and become the mother of Jesus.

And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. – Luke 1:38

Joseph also trusted God in the storm he was facing as his betrothed was found to be pregnant.

And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. – Matthew 1:19-20

Peter also took a bold leap of faith and trust when he stepped out of the boat onto the stormy seas to walk toward Jesus.

And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. – Matthew 14:28-29

God’s Word contains numerous examples of people placing their trust in Him and obeying His Word. “Stretch out your hand.” and the man’s hand was healed (Matthew 12:13); “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” and he came back seeing. (John 9:7); “Cast the net on the right side of the boat” and they caught many fish. (John 21:6)

The past two years have been stormy years for all of us. The New Year 2022 is upon us and will have storms of its own that we must get through. But our God is faithful. He will carry us through all the trials we encounter.

I trusted my friend Jim once I decided there was no other option. Oh, to be able to trust God immediately, without reservation and without exploring other options.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. – Proverbs 3:5

May the Lord bless you and keep you safe and healthy in the coming New Year.

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. – Numbers 6:24-26

May you seek His presence continually as you abide in Him and He in you.

Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! – 1 Chronicles 16:11

May you hear His voice with immediate obedience without reservation, reluctance, or regrets as He directs your path.

Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts… – Hebrews 3:15

Happy New Year!