I Carried You

We don’t notice His company at these times until we stop and look back. 

Acts 12:1-19

Reference: Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen.” (Acts 12:11 NIV)

Explore: There’s a well known poem about someone walking across a beach with God. It’s called Footprints in the Sand:

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.”

Such a powerful poem that explains how God is always with us, especially during our times of hardship. It’s just that often we don’t notice His company at these times until we stop and look back.

Application: The apostle Peter was experiencing a particularly difficult time. His fellow disciple, James, had been killed by the king and now he found himself heading towards the same fate.

This passage in Acts describes Peter’s incredible escape from prison, one of my all time favourite interventions of God. However, it’s not until Peter goes through the experience that he realises God has a finally carried him through this situation.

Once a time of trial is over it becomes much easier to see God’s involvement. When we are going through tough times our heads are filled with emotion and concern.

It’s important for us to remember to continuously rely on God during our suffering, but when the seas are starting to calm let’s not forget to look back to see how much God was carrying us through.

Prayer: Lord, You promised never to leave us. Although there are times when we feel alone, we know You are faithful and true to Your word. Help us, in our time of trial, to feel Your loving arms as You carry us through. Amen.

When have you needed God to carry you?

Acts, challenges, comfort, footprints, God, trials