Footprints in the Sand

We go through different seasons in our life. Sometimes everything seems to be smooth and easy. At other times, we go through times of trails and setbacks. Or even seasons of dryness and lack of spiritual fervour. The dark hours of our soul is likened to a person groping around in a pitch darkness. The Psalmist had his fair share of such experiences and when he related his turmoil and despair, we often identify with Him. Every step gets heavier and our minds and hearts are crowded with bleakness and hopelessness.

But the Lord never fails to come through for us even when we lack the strength and motivation to cry out to Him. He hears our silent cries and receives every teardrop. He understands our anguish and pain. He had been there. Our hearts find comfort and strength in God. The Lord will never leave us in a lurch, He will do everything He can to nurse us back to health because He loved us with an everlasting love. I will leave you with this powerful poem entitled Footprints in the Sand by Mary Stevenson. The Lord reminds us that His mercy and grace is poured into our life lavishly to reveal His glory.

Footprints in the Sand

One night I had a dream--

I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord

and across the sky flashed scenes from my life.

For each scene I noticed two sets of footprints,

one belonged to me and the other to the Lord.

When the last scene of my life flashed before me,

I looked back at the footprints in the sand.

I noticed that many times along the path of my life,

there was only one set of footprints.

I also noticed that it happened at the very lowest

and saddest times in my life.

This really bothered me and I questioned the Lord about it.

"Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you,

you would walk with me all the way,

but I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life

there is only one set of footprints.

"I don't understand why in times when I needed you most,

you should leave me."

The Lord replied, "My precious, precious child,

I love you and I would never, never leave you

during your times of trial and suffering.

"When you saw only one set of footprints,

it was then that I carried you."

- Mary Stevenson