Standing On Holy Ground

"Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground." Exodus 3:5

I stand at a distance from the Lord Almighty, and I am very aware of his holiness and of my lacking. There have been times in my life when I have felt the faith that moved mountains and have walked in the authority given to me by my Savior, but this is not one of those times. I am filled with uncertainty and my first response is like that of Moses, to hide my face from the Lord. But the Lord calls me, and my deep need gives me the courage to yield to his call.

As I step into his presence, all the things I cling to for protection, security and strength are stripped away. My heart is raw and I am afraid to hope. I am afraid to ask for the desires of my heart for fear I will be denied, so instead, I step into his presence and I yield.

Not my will, Lord, but yours.

I stand before my father in heaven and surrender to him the life of my earthly father. I give to the Lord my hope for my dad's recovery, my hope that the mind of my dad will grow stronger and that he will once again look into my eyes with clarity, love, and delight. I stand before the Lord clutching my prayer requests, and I choose to lay them at his feet instead of reading them aloud.

Regardless of how frightening the path ahead may seem, I will not run. I will take off my sandals and step onto the holy ground, into the presence of the Lord. Nothing will ever separate me from His love, and nothing will ever separate Him from mine. Not death, sorrow, pain, disappointment nor failure. The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercy never comes to an end.

You alone are the rock of my salvation. There is none more beautiful than you in all of creation. You reign above the heavens and the earth. I delight in your Holy Name. Alpha and Omega, you are the Light of the World, God Almighty, my Father God, Prince of Peace, my Deliverer, Healer, Provider . All Glory and Honor are yours forever.

I WILL FEAR NO EVIL

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me..."

I am not afraid to die. It actually thrills my soul to imagine the moment when I will be in the presence of the One who has loved me before the beginning of time.

Yet, the knowledge that the valley of the shadow of death awaits those that I love and hold dear to my heart is another matter altogether. I have spent the last nine days sitting with my Dad; the man I admire, cherish and have loved my entire life. I sat in a nursing home with my arms wrapped around my Hero, while he sat in his wheelchair with his arms around me. I whispered, "I love you with all my heart," to him over and over again; thanking him for the life, the heart, the faith that he shared so generously and faithfully. At the age of 82, he has run his race with strength, courage and unwavering faith. I now carry the torch that has shined so bright in his life and I am afraid that I will falter. I am afraid I am too weak. I am afraid that as I watch him walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will be overcome with sorrow and weakness. I am afraid I will not be able to bear it.

I lift my eyes to you, Lord. I know that it is in my weakness that your strength is made perfect. I cry out to you, Lord. I ask you for courage and strength.

I thank you, Jesus, with all my heart for one of your greatest gifts to my life, my beautiful dad. I daily live with the blessings that have been poured out on behalf of his faithfulness to you. Let me live a life worthy of your calling. With all that I have been given, show me how to give, serve and honor you. I surrender my fear and ask for your forgiveness for my weakness of heart. I come to your altar and give to you my breaking heart and ask for you to heal it as only you can.

I will fear no evil, for you are with me.

Forever and ever and ever.

Amen