By Pastor Steve Nickodemus

Never Alone

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“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
Psalm 46:1 New International Version

I saw this restored 8N Ford Tractor two weeks ago and it brought back many memories from my childhood.  I first learned to drive a tractor like this at the age of six.  We were loading haybales in our alfalfa field onto two hay wagons hauled behind the tractor.  My dad couldn’t spare an adult to drive the tractor so he put me on the driver’s seat.  I wasn’t strong enough to push in the clutch, so he showed me how to turn off the key if I got into trouble.  I was almost overwhelmed by the responsibility I had been given!  I wanted to do a good job but I was scared that I would fail at this important work.

Have you ever felt that way when confronted with a big challenge?  Have you ever felt that the responsibility you have been given is too much for you?  In your life you have probably had to face a lot bigger challenges than driving a tractor, and you were probably as scared as I was when I was 6 years old.  Fear can overwhelm you.  It can paralyze you and cause you to despair.  You may say to yourself, “I can’t do this!  I know I am going to fail.  What can I do?”

But that day as I slowly drove around that field, I was not alone.  The men moved the bales that were in my way and my Dad was always right there, just in case anything went wrong.  Yes, I was scared, but I wasn’t alone and I felt the joy of being about my father’s business with his watchful eye over me.

Whatever challenge you may be facing, however scared you may be, you are not alone.  Your Father is with you and is watching over you continually.  He will not give you more than you can handle and He only gives you the responsibility you have so that your faith will grow and you will become closer to Him.  He is your Immanuel, your God with you!  He’s got your back and you are not alone!

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church Colorado Springs, Colorado