Sometimes my life feels like I’m constantly trying to gain traction-on ice. The harder ‘you’ try the more you are spinning your wheels and getting off course. Traction enables you to get a grip, establish a toehold, and set your footing.
Maybe Joseph can shed some light for us? “Deeply moved on seeing his brother and about to burst into tears, Joseph hurried out into another room and had a good cry. Then he washed his face, got a grip on himself, and said, “Let’s eat.” (Genesis 43: 30-31, Msg) Joseph didn’t cave to what had to be very strong emotions. He obviously had let go of the past. Got it? Let go of the past-plain and simple! “Let’s eat.” Sounds like one who has traction in the moment and able to move on to what’s next in Jesus!
Hezekiah put his whole trust in the God of Israel. There was no king quite like him, either before or after. He held fast to God—never loosened his grip—and obeyed to the letter everything God had commanded Moses. And God, for his part, held fast to him through all his adventures. (2 Kings 18:5-6, Msg)
King Hezekiah was probably one of the most unsung heroes of the Old Testament. He also got it. Hold fast to God and you find out God’s been holding fast to you, even when you thought your life was; well-spinning out of control.
One day when the angels came to report to God, Satan also showed up. God singled out Satan, saying, “And what have you been up to?” Satan answered God, “Oh, going here and there, checking things out.” Then God said to Satan, “Have you noticed my friend Job? There’s no one quite like him, is there—honest and true to his word, totally devoted to God and hating evil? He still has a firm grip on his integrity! You tried to trick me into destroying him, but it didn’t work.” (Job 2:1-3, Msg)
He still has a firm grip on his integrity! Do you and I? Veracity, honor, honesty: would others use these words to describe your impression upon them? They will when we have a firm grip, kind of a ‘toehold’ on our integrity.
Dear friend, take my advice; it will add years to your life. I’m writing out clear directions to Wisdom Way, I’m drawing a map to Righteous Road. I don’t want you ending up in blind alleys, or wasting time making wrong turns. Hold tight to good advice; don’t relax your grip. Guard it well—your life is at stake! Don’t take Wicked Bypass; don’t so much as set foot on that road. Stay clear of it; give it a wide berth. Make a detour and be on your way. (Proverbs 4: 10-15, Msg)
When you go out looking for your old adversaries you won’t find them— Not a trace of your old enemies, not even a memory. That’s right. Because I, your God, have a firm grip on you and I’m not letting go. I’m telling you, ‘Don’t panic. I’m right here to help you.’ (Isaiah 41:12-13, Msg)
And here’s the footing and toehold of traction. [It’s a Good Thing to Hope for Help from God ] I’ll never forget the trouble, the utter lostness, the taste of ashes, the poison I’ve swallowed. I remember it all—oh, how well I remember— the feeling of hitting the bottom. But there’s one other thing I remember, and remembering, I keep a grip on hope. (Lamentations 3:19-21, (Msg)
[He Gets the Last Word] Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won’t last forever. It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does. (1 Peter 5:8-11, Msg)
Getting’ a grip while being gripped! Ron Ross
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