Gospel Grace

A Lamp for my Feet

BY KELLEY RENE

My precious granddaughter surprised me with a visit recently. When she saw me, she threw her arms wide open and ran to me. Oh, how pure and simple is the love of a child!

But it didn’t take long before I found her digging her little fingers through the soil of my (many) plants. Then, like a magnet, she found the one cabinet I forgot to wrap in rubber bands as a safety measure. After that, she remembered the staircase. She’s not quite two, but she repeatedly pointed to the landing and called out, “Stairwzz! Stairwzz!” With her hands to the sky, she clutched mine and took each step one at a time. So up and down we went. Again and again, until she got distracted. Between the oven, the pool, and other hazards, it felt like we spent much of our time diverting her from danger.

Just as I guided my granddaughter, I recognized how God — through various means — has directed my path over the years, diverting me from danger. At times, I’ve lovingly followed His lead. Then there were other times I chose my own way. I simply didn’t want to obey.

Reflecting back, it’s easy to recognize how God has led me away from the dangers in my life. Not necessarily audibly, but in the peace that came when I gave my problems and issues to Him. At times He spoke through my pastor, Bible study leader, or close friend. And incredibly, one time, a DJ on a Christian radio station spoke directly to a very real situation with which I grappled. I knew in that moment God was showing me how to move forward.

God will never stop leading and guiding us. But His purpose is not just to keep us safe as we walk through this world, but through it all, to bring us back home to Him. He wants fellowship with us, for us to get to know Him.

John and the other gospel writers recount the beautiful life of our Savior and the incredible sacrifice He made for each one of us. They tell us in no uncertain terms that Jesus, fully God and fully man, came to earth to save us from our sins — those bad things we’ve all done that separate us from Him. “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23 NIV) Jesus lived a perfect life. He died on a cross and rose again on the third day. Through His sacrifice, we can have eternal life, and God welcomes us into His family. Our part is simple. “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” (Acts 16:31 NIV) We could never earn our salvation, it is a free gift.

This gospel message of God’s saving grace is found in His Word and is intended to guide us on the path toward Him, away from the dangers of the world. “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” (Psalm 119:105 NIV)

The Holy Bible — our Father’s love letter to us — is our manual for life. “God sent His one and only son into the world so that we might live through Him.” (1 John 4:9 NIV) He outlines His plan to rescue us, no matter the many times we find ourselves in need of His help. The stories demonstrate how we should live. Or not. It is a guardrail to steer us away from danger and into the arms of our Heavenly Father.

Just as I’m filled with joy when my granddaughter flings her arms wide to wrap me in a hug, our Heavenly Father is overjoyed when we run to Him. He desires a genuine relationship with us, and it is through His saving grace that we are able to connect with Him through prayer and His holy scriptures. Nothing we could ever do will diminish His love for us, and staying in His Word will ensure we don’t stray.

If you’ve never accepted the free gift of God’s salvation, pray this prayer with me. God is waiting with arms wide open to welcome you into His family.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your free gift of salvation. I acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Your Son, and He died on the cross and rose again that I might live. I give my heart to You today and choose to follow You. Cleanse me of my past and fill me with Your Spirit. Heal me from those things that have separated me from You. Guide me in all I do. Be glorified in my life, Father. I love you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer today, we welcome you into the family of God! The angels and all of glory rejoice with you today! Email us at info@womenworldleaders. com and tell us your story. We want to celebrate you and cover you in prayer as you step into your new life in Jesus.

Kelley Rene lives in Panama City, Florida, with her husband and mini Australian Shepherd. After thirty-two years of marriage, five children, fifteen moves, two continents, and numerous volunteer and paid jobs, she activated her passion: writing. She loves to experience new places and meet new people, often the inspiration for her stories. With a longing to be a conduit of God’s love and a catalyst for forgiveness, she quickly adopted Rescued and Redeemed as her mantra.

Along with her chapter in Embrace the Journey, Kelley has published three novellas, and is finalizing a fourth to be compiled into an anthology, Way of the Broken. When she’s not scribbling out fiction, you’ll find her crocheting, kayaking, or cuddling a good book and cappuccino. Keep up with her at kelleyrene.com.