Footprints

A famous poem written in 1936 by Mary Stevenson is Footprints in the Sand.

It reads:

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord

Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.

In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand. 

Sometimes there were two sets of footprints, other times there was one only.

This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life, 

When I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat, 

I could see only one set of footprints. 

So I said to the Lord, “You promised me Lord,

That if I followed you, you would walk with me always. 

But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life 

There has only been one set of footprints in the sand. 

Why, when I needed you most, have you not been there for me?”

The Lord replied, “The years when you have seen only one set of footprints, 

My child, is when I carried you.”

A good reminder that our God is present and involved.  For many months Job didn’t think God was engaged, let alone present, but his thinking didn’t change reality.  I Corinthians 10:13 teaches that God limits and controls the things in our lives and around us.  God is present and ruling.  Such was true for Job even though he felt God had failed him, like said in the Footprints poem.

I have often used Isaiah 41:10 as a “footprints” verse.

The verse states: Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

The last promise here is that God will carry us – only one set of footprints – His!

There are five promises:

1. I am with you – so don’t fear!
2. I am your God – don’t fret or be discouraged!
3. I will give you strength – that is one set of footprints – mine – with His empowerment.
4. I will help you – two sets of footprints – His and Mine – He is alongside helping to carry.
5. And then one set of footprints – His – He has picked me up and is carrying me!

And don’t miss the two truths in that last promise: 1. God is righteous –  holy/without flaw or fault thus making NO mistakes and, 2. Right hand – which speaks of strength – He is all-powerful!

So, don’t fear and don’t be disheartened as our God is present, encouraging, and engaged.

When we need God the most, He is present and when we feel He is gone or indifferent, He is not!  Our God carries us!  Hallelujah!