He Pulls Me Out, He Sees Me Through (Lent Devotion 2021)

“ . . . I WILL TAKE REFUGE IN THE SHADOW OF YOUR WINGS UNTIL THE DISASTER HAS PASSED. I CRY OUT TO GOD MOST HIGH, TO GOD, WHO FULFILLS HIS PURPOSE FOR ME. HE SENDS FROM HEAVEN AND SAVES ME . . .” (PSALM 57:1- 3)

As Todd looked up into that incredible night sky, dark yet brilliant with stars, he was amazed and couldn’t stop thinking about the glory of God. Suddenly, a big Cree man named Ivan, who he was with but barely knew, started shouting and praising God magnificently. He was standing on the shores of Caribou Lake, far into the forest of northern Ontario, Canada. Todd was a long way from his home in Tennessee. He was on his way to do mission work, or so he thought, in another country across the Atlantic and was only visiting the Canadian north temporarily. Strangely, as this big Cree man was praising God, he had this overwhelming feeling that God wanted him in Canada and no where else. He answered that call.

Two years later Todd is up to his neck in ice water! In northern Canada! After breaking through the ice while trapping, Todd was beginning to freeze! Todd was literally struggling for his life as he hung on to a branch to keep from going under. By the grace of God, his new Cree friend and guide Terry was able to pull him from the icy water. To this day, neither man remembers how they actually got out! With the help of snowmobiles, they were able to get back to safety and from freezing to death. God did rescue Todd that day, from freezing and even death. But to this day, he still seems to be up to his neck with so many other challenges and uncertainty. They just keep coming.

Many times, it seems that life is uncertain. With the recent “Covid -19 Pandemic,” uncertainty lingers even more so. Although we may not be in freezing water, we all seem to be up to our neck with challenges. Some are calling this time a time of “malignant uncertainty.” Even when we know we are in God's will and we are following God's call on our lives- like Todd did - things can still seem to be out of control. But, they are not!

God is sovereign and He is in control! Even when we are going through our darkest hours, God is in control. Jesus experienced the darkest hours while facing crucifixion and then felt completely abandoned by God, His Father, in death. But, God did not leave Him there! With His mighty power, God raised Him from the dead. The incredible truth here is that God knows where you are and who you are. He knows your name by heart and He will not abandon you. Jesus died but rose again so we too can know this hope and power in our own lives. And just like God reached out his hand to Todd in that deathly cold water, God is reaching out to you too, and no one can snatch you out of His hand (John 10:28).

At this very moment, I am up to my neck with calls from people who are full of anxiety, worry, and depression. Yet, as David shouts, “I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. I cry out to God Most High, to God, who fulfills his purpose for me. He sends from heaven and saves me" (Psalm 57: 1-3).

Right now, you too may be reaching out your hand in desperation. Always remember, God is there and He does care. Take refuge in the shadow of His wings. And as you look back, like Todd, you may not quite know how God pulled you “out” and “through” but He did and He will!

Prayer: Dear Lord, the times are hard and there seems to be so much uncertainty in my life. Lord, I declare that you are there and that you are my true help and that you are pulling me out and through. Lord, please give me the faith and courage to go on so that Your name will be glorified. And thank you for answering my prayer! In Jesus name, Amen.

Rick Martin
Manitoba, Canada