We’ve all seen it happen. A little child gets excited; they start to run and then they stumble and fall. Oh my! What’s our first reaction? As a loving adult – parent, grandparent, close friend – we rush to their rescue. We are there to pick them up.
As adults, we often stumble and fall but we don’t want anyone to see it. We are embarrassed or ashamed of ourselves for not having better control or being more observant. But it’s not something to be ashamed of; we all need help.
This morning I was reading in Psalm 20. This is the verse that caught my attention.
“Some people trust the power of chariots or horses, but we trust you, Lord God. 8 Others will stumble and fall, but we will be strong and stand firm.” Psalm 20:7-8 CEV
and then this verse, which I read every morning
“Your kingdom will never end, and you will rule forever. Our Lord, you keep your word and do everything you say. 14 When someone stumbles or falls, you give a helping hand. 15 Everyone depends on you, and when the time is right, you provide them with food.” Psalm 145:13-15 CEV
At first those verses appear to be contradicting but they aren’t. The key to not stumbling, to standing firm, is our trust in God and not in our own efforts.
Peter is our perfect example. Peter saw Jesus walking on the water and he impetuously wanted to join Him. Jesus told him to come. Peter stepped out of the boat, starting walking…
“But when Peter saw how strong the wind was, he was afraid and started sinking. ‘Save me, Lord!’ he shouted. 31 At once, Jesus reached out his hand. He helped Peter up and said, ‘You surely don’t have much faith. Why do you doubt?'” Matthew 14:30-31 CEV
When we take our eyes off of the Lord, circumstances can be overwhelming. We lose our balance, our center, and we stumble and fall. But here’s the good news.
“Even young people get tired, then stumble and fall. 31 But those who trust the Lord will find new strength. They will be strong like eagles soaring upward on wings; they will walk and run without getting tired.” Isaiah 40:30-31 CEV
Do you feel like you have stumbled and fallen? Are the words running through your mind, “Help, I’ve fallen and can’t get up”? Good news!
“The Lord gives me strength. He makes my feet as sure as those of a deer, and he helps me stand on the mountains.” Habakkuk 3:19 CEV
When we stumble the key is to look up. Reach for the Father’s hand, He is there to pick us up when we fall.