Arms Stretched Out Wide
We were attending our grandson’s first birthday. He had mastered crawling but had not yet started walking. During the party, our nephew reached out his arms, encouraging our grandson to walk to him. Since our grandson was already standing, he wobbled on his feet and took several steps. Although he fell before reaching our nephew, everyone cheered him on. Encouraged, he got back up and finished his walk!
In the weeks following the event, the Holy Spirit spoke to me: "What you witnessed with your grandson taking his steps is exactly how I am with My children. When you take steps of faith and it feels like I am not there, My arms are stretched out wide, saying, ‘Come to Me, I’ve got you!’ Your grandson will never learn to walk on his own if someone is always holding him. He must go through this process to reach the next phase of his life.
In the same way, I cannot hold you as I have in the past if you are to grow and fulfill what is ahead of you. It may feel uncomfortable, and at times, it may seem like I am not there, but My arms are stretched out wide. I will not let you return to where you were because you have outgrown that space. You must move forward, and I will not hinder you! It is okay if you wobble and fall. Mistakes are expected! I am not looking for perfection. I am calling you forward in My love because you must grow. Just as it is crucial for your grandson to walk, your next phase of growth is just as important.
Even if you cry and complain, I will not remove you from this space—it must happen! You know that if you continue to carry your grandson, you will hinder him. How much more do I, your God, care for you? I will never hinder your growth, and I will never leave you!
Key Points:
Everything God is doing in your life is purposeful.
You may feel alone, but God is doing a greater work to move you to a higher level in Him.
Keep your eyes on Him—His arms are stretched out wide for you.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
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