Gripping the steel rails of our open-top truck, my teenage daughter and I bumped and bounced along the sweltering, dusty roads through the Ankegura National Game Park in Africa.
As lovers of elephants—those magnificent, gentle giants—she and I hoped we’d spot one. Our guide warned us, “Elephants in these parts are known to get drunk on fermented bananas and go on a savage rampage, crushing everything in their path.”
Sure enough, we saw trees and bushes trampled to the ground—clear, unsettling evidence of an elephant stampede. We turned a sharp corner and suddenly met them face to face, a massive pair of killer elephants. Our hearts stopped. This was no zoo, or Disneyland, or a dream where we could fashion our own ending. This was real life, and it terrified us.
In crisis times, we realize how little control we have. We cling to our faith and the One who holds the remote control of our lives in His merciful hand. God graciously steered us to safety that day, but I mulled over that experience long afterward and penned the following in my journal:
Why, Lord, does it take those heart-stopping moments to remind me of Your reign over my life—ruling as You judge best for me—Your reins on my life—holding me back, spurring me on, as You see fit—Your rain in my life—allowed for my good, to soften, shape, and cleanse. I recall times I have behaved like a stubborn, self-sufficient child, reluctant to hold her Daddy's hand—until the Giant appears—then leaping into His arms and clinging with all her might. Thank You, Father, for always being there with open arms, to protect Your little girl from gentle giants—and not-so-gentle ones—even before I know they are there.
We all face life’s giants: failure, loneliness, fear, discouragement, regret, worry, anger, doubt, guilt, temptation, resentment, jealousy. The list goes on. These seemingly unbeatable foes are intent on lurking and taunting us, bent on defeating us.
The Bible tells us to fix our eyes on Jesus. He is our light, our protector, our ever-present giant slayer.
Focus on God rather than your elephants.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)
Sandi Banks is an author and speaker who is on faculty with Carol Kent’s Speak Up conferences. She invites you to visit her ministry site at www.anchorsofhope.com.