A Firm Grip

A Firm Grip

Admit it: When your heart is being wrung out like a sponge, when you feel like Morton’s salt is being poured into your wounded soul, you don’t want a thin, pale, emotional Jesus who relates only to lambs and birds and babies. You want a warrior Jesus. . . . You want the strong arm and unshakable grip of God who will not let you go.

Joni Eareckson Tada

You know I hold your hand, but it’s hard to hold on to bold faith when you look too far into the future. When bad days come (and they will), when a storm interrupts your sunshine (and it will), or when exhaustion diminishes your ability to cope (and it will), cling to My hand. I have an unshakable grip, and I will hold you steady and mark out the directions for your next steps. Don’t expect heaven on earth. It doesn’t exist.

Instead, put both of your hands around My hand and hang on. Victory is right around the corner. I am a gentle God, but I am also a warrior God and I will fight for you. Don’t quiver with fear. Don’t waver. Be strong. Be brave. Keep moving forward and don’t look back. I will train your hands for battle (Psalm 18:34), and I will not leave you to handle spiritual conflicts alone. My presence is always with you—now and forever. You are already triumphant because I am beside you.

You have given me your shield of victory. Your right hand supports me; your help has made me great.

Psalm 18:35