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Devotionals
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The Wall Won't Hurt You
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Joni and Friends
The Wall Won't Hurt You,
"For by You I can run against a troop, by my God I can leap over a wall".
Psalm 18:29 NKJV
Corie is 19 years old, a little under five feet tall, has one of the most winsome smiles I've ever encountered, and she has Down syndrome. Corie's speech is a little slurred, and her nouns and verbs don't always match. But that just adds to her charm. One summer at a Family Retreat she asked me excitedly, "Are you going rock wall and come down and watching me climb it all the way to the top and back down okay?" I replied, "You bet!"
I watched the conference staff workers strap my new friend into her helmet and climbing harness. Corie was ready! She gave me a happy "thumbs up," turned to the wall, grabbed a rock, and away she went. She was so fast! This girl had no fear! After she had conquered her goal and scooted back down the wall, everyone cheered.
But Heather, who was next, was too nervous to cheer. It was her very first climb... and she has Down syndrome, too. "Are you ready?" the staff worker asked her. She could only stare at him with a blank expression. But then Corie stepped in. "Headder, you are going too, up?" she said. Slipping an arm around her friend, Corie said softly, "Okay it is, Headder. The wall won't hurt you." That was all Heather needed to hear. In the next instant she was scrambling up the wall. Halfway up, she meekly called down, "It doesn't hurt!"
Are you facing an intimidating wall right now... a medical problem, an unexpected bill, a strained relationship, or a wrestling match with temptation? God has a purpose, and knows all about what you're facing. Look up, take heart and say, "I can do everything through him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13).
Thank you, Lord Jesus, that You are the Master of every wall in life. Help me to take courage from little Corie's courage and counsel. With Your help, I'll grip that first rock and begin to climb.
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Davidwayne Lackey 07/15/2015 22:35 |
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