Psalms 32:8 The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.
The following story is an example of God’s love and protection over us. We need to realize that our Heavenly Father is always there, always ready to be our help in our time of need. He wants us to step out in faith, taking seed faith step by step until His Spirit matures in us. As we grow He might be glorified in our lives. Even though there are times when we feel we walk alone, know that He is always there watching over and protecting us.
The passengers on the bus watched sympathetically as the attractive young woman with the white cane made her way carefully up the steps. She paid the driver, and using her hands to feel the location of the seats, walked down the aisle and found the seat he’d told her was empty. Then she settled in, placed her briefcase on her lap and rested her cane against her leg. It had been a year since Susan, thirty-four, became blind. Due to a medical misdiagnosis she had been rendered sightless, and she was suddenly thrown into a world of darkness, anger, frustration and self-pity.
Once a fiercely independent woman, Susan now felt condemned by this terrible twist of fate to become a powerless, helpless burden on everyone around her. “How could this have happened to me?” she would plead, her heart knotted with anger. But no matter how much she cried or ranted or prayed, she knew the painful truth: her sight was never going to return. A cloud of depression hung over Susan’s once optimistic spirit. Just getting through each day was an exercise in frustration and exhaustion.
And all she had to cling to was her husband Mark. Mark was an Air Force officer and he loved Susan with all his heart. When she first lost her sight, he watched her sink into despair and was determined to help his wife gain the strength and confidence she needed to become independent again. Mark’s military background had trained him well to deal with sensitive situations, and yet he knew this was the most difficult battle he would ever face.
Finally, Susan felt ready to return to her job, but how would she get there? She used to take the bus, but was now too frightened to get around the city by herself. Mark volunteered to drive her to work each day, even though they worked at opposite ends of the city. At first, this comforted Susan and fulfilled Mark’s need to protect his sightless wife who was so insecure about performing the slightest task.
Soon, however, Mark realized that this arrangement wasn’t working – it was hectic, and costly. Susan is going to have to start taking the bus again, he admitted to himself. But just the thought of mentioning it to her made him cringe. She was still so fragile, so angry. How would she react?
Just as Mark predicted, Susan was horrified at the idea of taking the bus again. “I’m blind!” she responded bitterly. “How am I supposed to know where I’m going? I feel like you’re abandoning me.” Mark’s heart broke to hear these words, but he knew what had to be done. He promised Susan that each morning and evening he would ride the bus with her, for as long as it took, until she got the hang of it. And that is exactly what happened. For two solid weeks, Mark, military uniform and all, accompanied Susan to and from work each day. He taught her how to rely on her other senses especially her hearing, to determine where she was and how to adapt to her new environment.
He helped her befriend the bus drivers who could watch out for her and save her a seat. He made her laugh, even on those not-so-good days when she would trip exiting the bus, or drop her briefcase. Each morning they made the journey together, and Mark would take a cab back to his office. Although this routine was even more costly and exhausting than the previous one, Mark knew it was only a matter of time before Susan would be able to ride the bus on her own. He believed in her, in the Susan he used to know before she’d lost her sight, who wasn’t afraid of any challenge and who would never, ever quit.
Finally, Susan decided that she was ready to try the trip on her own. Monday morning arrived, and before she left, she threw her arms around Mark, her temporary bus riding companion, her husband, and her best friend.
Her eyes filled with tears of gratitude for his loyalty, his patience and his love. She said goodbye, and for the first time, they went their separate ways. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. Each day on her own went perfectly, and Susan had never felt better. She was doing it! She was going to work all by herself!
On Friday morning, Susan took the bus as usual. As she was paying for her fare to exit the bus, the driver said, “Boy, I sure envy you.” Susan wasn’t sure if the driver was speaking to her or not. After all who on earth would ever envy a blind woman who had struggled just to find the courage to live the past year? Curious she asked the driver, “Why do you say that you envy me?” The driver responded, “It must feel so good to be taken care of and protected like you are.” Susan had no idea what the driver was talking about, and asked again, “What do you mean?”
The driver answered, “You know, every morning for the past week, a fine looking gentleman in a military uniform has been standing across the corner watching you when you get off the bus. He makes sure you cross the street safely and he watches you until you enter your office building. Then he blows you a kiss, and gives you a little salute and walks away. You are one lucky lady.” Tears of happiness poured down Susan’s cheeks. For although she couldn’t physically see him, she had always felt Mark’s presence. She was lucky, so lucky, for he had given her a gift more powerful than sight, a gift she didn’t need to see to believe – the gift of love that can bring light where there had been darkness.
This is but a small example to illustrate the depth of love that God has for us. Even when you feel alone, and you are afraid and unsure, always know that He is there to be your help in time of need. God wants us to face life, and in doing so, conquer what He sets before us. As we step out, even in fear, He is always watching over us. This is His promise to us, His children.
Psalm 121
I lift up my eyes to the hills, where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber;
The LORD watches over you— the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all harm—
He will watch over your life;
The LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
Categories: God
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Darrell Creswell - A Study of Christian Grace 
Lovely message. Thank you, Brother Darrell!
What a great post today Darrell. Psalm 121 is one of my favorites ~ thanks.
It is my prayer for the Lord to watch over Troy Dorcey and Myself. We have been given national Tv exposure on a National religious channel. Kerry Pharr is hosting a talk show called “In your corner” Troy and I both trust the Lords will, but I am asking for your prayers. May the lord bless Kerry Pharr and this ministry that He has began, Help all of us Lord to be able to speak your words and follow your path. Help us Lord, not by our own might or power but by your spirit. Help us Lord walk and talk without fear of the things we see, keep us and give us assurance with a faith that is unmovable! Thank you my friend!
Well brother Darrell, this message brought tears to my eyes. Especially the last part. That touch my heart deeply. Thank you again for a wonderful message. God Bless!!!