That's What He Does

Sometimes God has a way of teaching us things, or reminding us of certain truths, that cause us to step back and take note. We end up reflecting and thinking to ourselves, “Wow, God, you really are good. Thank you!”

One such reminder came to me a few evenings ago. Some dear friends had come over to roast some hot dogs and make some s’mores around our fire pit. There were three adults and two children, aged six and four. That should have been a pretty good ratio. As the evening progressed, both kids were very cautious around the fire, taking care to walk behind the chairs and not get too close. Then for whatever reason, the four-year-old decided to walk between me and the fire. She tripped. As she started to fall toward the flames, I reached down with my free arm and scooped her up. After I placed her safely a few feet away, the reality of what almost happened hit her, and she started to cry. With that, her Momma picked her up and comforted her until she settled down. Needless to say, everyone’s heart rate accelerated there for a couple of minutes!

Later that night, as I was thinking back and processing, The Lord showed me several things that he wanted to remind me of, and get straight in my brain.

First, we are often that little girl. We listen to God. We’re obedient. We do the right thing. Then, we get comfortable. We think, “I can take a shortcut this one time, it’ll be OK, nothing will happen.” And bam! Near disaster, except for God. He steps in and rescues us! That’s what He does!

“The Lord will rescue his servants; no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.” (Psalm 34:22 NIV)

Second, when we are fearful, or repentant, or overwhelmed with what could have been (or might be), He scoops us up into His arms and holds us close. He comforts us. He assures us that it will all be OK. That He will always be there for us. That’s what He does!

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

And third – this one came the following morning – we have a responsibility to partner with Him for the protection, safety, and eternal salvation of others. We are to help our brothers and sisters by sharing the good news of Jesus with them, saving them from an eternal fire. That’s what He does!

“Save others by snatching them out of the fire.”

Jude 1:23 (ESV)

One final thought. As soon as I grabbed that little girl and pulled her away and drew her close, without even thinking, I kissed the top of her head and told her I loved her. That surprised me a bit at the time. Not that I said it – she's very precious to me – but that in that moment, it came out so quickly and naturally. Once again... That’s what He does! That’s how He feels about us. He doesn’t ever want us to suffer harm. He wants nothing but the best for us, and He wants us to know it.

“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, his steadfast love endures forever.”

(Psalm 136:1 ESV)

So, I hope these reminders move you as much as they have me. We have such a good, good Father. Never doubt that. Ever.