Wait For Me

Wait for Me

Lynn Cowell

It was supposed to be a day of wonderful memories. The highlight of our trip would be Slippery Rock, a natural waterslide. However, following the guidance of a “local,” we changed our plans to go to a different waterfall. When we reached that waterfall, we discovered it wasn’t quite what we were told. The slide was steeper, there was less water, no lifeguard, no stairs, no rope. Though disappointed, we vowed to make the best of the situation.

From the bottom of the falls, Greg kept an eye on our kids as they climbed up the side of the steep hill and reached the top of the rock slide. He watched the older kids start their slide down the sheer slope. Sensing everything was not as smooth as it seemed, he called to our youngest daughter, Madison, “Wait for me. Let’s go together and I will lead you.”

Hearing Greg and the kids’ laughter brought joy to my heart. Madison was safe in her daddy’s lap as they began their descent down the natural rock slide into the chilly mountain water. But as I caught my husband’s eye, I knew something was wrong. On the way down the hard slide, Greg extended his leg to avoid hitting a large boulder. He and Madison missed the boulder, but ended up in a spin that slammed them into the mountain wall—with Greg’s bare back taking the blow.

Our fun day ended with a trip to the emergency room. The four-inch gash on Greg’s back was evidence of how he had protected our daughter. Today, it’s a thick red scar—proof of his love for his family.

The prophet Isaiah foretold Jesus’ gruesome death … and the source of His scars. “He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him” (Isaiah 53:2). Jesus’ sacrificial death caused Him to bear scars of love … proof that He protects.

As a young woman, my life path looked a lot like the uphill climb at the waterfall—no stairs, no rope, no lifeguard. I wanted to live a little, but the ride was more difficult than I’d anticipated. Just before I crashed, I listened to Jesus’ invitation: Wait for Me; let Me get you out of harm’s way and lead you. I fell into His accepting arms, rescued and safe. I was saved because of His death, which created the beautiful scars.

Many times we want to go our own way, oblivious to the dangers hidden just beneath the surface of selfish or sinful choices:

I can flirt with this sin; I just want a little fun!

It’s my turn. My kids will bounce back.

I don’t have to put up with him anymore. It’s my life too.

Inevitable destruction follows. All along, Jesus calls out to us: Wait for Me. Let’s go together and I will lead you.

In the exciting rush and roar of temptation, it’s easy to disregard Jesus’ invitation to wait. We refuse the strength that could rescue us. We overlook the scars—proof that His love held Him to a cross on our behalf.

Before we make our choices, we need to reflect on the cost He paid to protect us from our own destruction. It’s truly a thing of love.

Dear Lord, help me look to You and trust Your instructions and warnings, knowing that You love me more than I love myself. You are my first love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

REMEMBER

Jesus’ death and destruction have the power to keep you from your own death and destruction. Run toward that protection, not away from it.

REFLECT

In what areas of life are you most susceptible to flirting with something dangerous right now? What needs or wounds might be making you vulnerable to this temptation?

RESPOND

Take a moment to thank Jesus for a time when He saved you from something dangerous or destructive.

POWER VERSES

Isaiah 53:3–5; Psalm 18:6