I remember getting off the bus at a busy intersection to find my mother was not there waiting for me. I was probably about 7 at the time. It was raining hard. I think I remember going into the nearby doughnut shop to wait for the rain to slow down and mom to show up.
Have you ever felt alone and afraid?
Mom was always at the bus stop waiting. That day was different. She did not show up. I waited a while, but the rain continued. I wondered if Mom was on her way, and I wondered if I was safe there without her. I wondered if she thought I was on my way home. Finally, I gave up my hope that the rain would stop. I darted home as the steady rain picked up, and I got soaked long before I made it to the front steps.
Mom greeted me at the door. My long hair was wet, and my clothes were wet. Mom got me a towel. Then I found something dry to wear. It didn’t matter that Mom had not made it to the bus stop that day, I was glad to be home.
Home was a refuge. I could rest because I was safe.
And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon’s porch. Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly. Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of me. But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one.
John 10:22-30
As Christians our eternity is safe with Jesus. No one can take it away from us. We hear His voice, and we follow Him. He is our God.
I hope that as you grow closer to Jesus that you reach a place where you feel safe. I hope that you see Him as a refuge from the storms that life brings your way. Our home is in heaven. However, I hope that you realize that in His love and care you are really, to some degree, already home.
LIFE APPLICATION
Today’s challenge is to “come home.” If you don’t know Jesus as your Savior, make a decision for Him today. Learn to rest in Jesus. Know that you are safe with Him. Like a child finding refuge at home, our refuge from the storm is in Him. He is our shelter and our protection. He is the good shepherd who watches over us. He knows our plights. He is still on His throne. He is Lord of Lords and King of Kings. He’s got it covered. We can rest because He holds us in His hand not just eternally, but temporally as well.