Keep Walking...

Greetings, Everyone!

Susie Larson here...

And to those visiting, I say welcome! I post every Wednesday and my sole purpose is to nourish your soul along the way. Each month I give away a $10.00 gift card to someone who posts on my blog. This month's card comes from Target. But you have to promise not to buy any cleaning stuff or dental floss or toilet paper. You have to treat yourself! So share a story or an insight, bless lots of people, and maybe, just maybe you'll win a little trip to Target.

Now on to my topic...

In my new book (releases this October), I tell a story of an Englishman who was a prisoner in a concentration camp in WWII. One day while reading Psalm 91 (the part about people dying all around you, but death not coming near you), and he cried out to God, "Lord, people are dying all around me. Will I die here too? I am young and still want to serve Your Kingdom while on this earth!" 

At that moment the Lord spoke to his heart and said, "Rely on what you've just heard, and walk to your freedom." The Englishman walked to the first gate. The German soldiers aimed their guns at him and said, "Where do you think you're going?" He looked up at them and said, "I'm under the protection of the Most High." The soldiers instantly straightened up, saluted, and let the man pass through the gate. The Englishman then came to the outer gate and the same thing happened again. The soldiers aimed at him and asked him where he thought he was going. When he explained that he was under the protection of the Most High, they too, straightened up, saluted and let him leave the prison camp. 

That young man traveled the countryside and made his way back to England. He later found out that the soldiers secretly referred to Hitler as 'the most high.' Although, the Englishman was truly under the protection of the Most High God. He was the only prisoner to come out of that camp alive. 

Lately I've been feeling like I'm walking through enemy territory with guns aimed at me by the enemy of my soul. I feel the electricity in the air and yet I hear the Lord telling me, "Just keep walking."

I share that with you in case some of you are going through the same thing. 

Psalm 15:2 says this:

Walk straight. Act right. Tell the truth. 

I love the Message version of this verse because it reminds us to keep our head about us. Instead of being distracted by the sense of harassment all around us, we keep our focus, we behave as ones who belong to God, we remember the truth and walk in the truth, and when we apply God's principals to our lives, we know that will come out the other side with our freedom in tact. 

In the 1800's, George Hodges wrote, "Undertake the duty, and step by step, God will provide the disposition." 

I love that. 

Some seasons of life call for sheer focus and obedience. The 'skip to my loo' moments seem far and few between but we know God is on our side. These are the seasons that form character and forge a deeper faith. These are the times when we reach up and grab hold of the promises of God because they're ours for the taking. In due time, the Lord will provide the joyful disposition of belonging to Him, obeying Him, and simply trusting Him. It's amazing to think about, but we are a sheer delight to His heart. And He is watching us every moment, especially when the enemy presses in and makes his threats. 

If you're walking through a time that feels heavier than it should, wait on the Lord, He will renew your strength. See if this isn't one of those times when to obey is to simply keep walking with your eyes fixed straight ahead, on the One who went before you and made a way for you. God is the strength of your heart and your portion forever!

Have a blessed week!

PS ~ If you haven't signed up for my quarterly E-zine, you might want to. I'm telling you, we had a blast with the Amazing Book Giveaway this time. About nine of my author friends donated free books and there was a flurry of emails from women trying to claim them! Also, I write a devotional thought and offer some great book recommendations. Here's the link if you want to sign up:

Sign up for Susie's E-zine...

Comments

[Stephenie]

Well said, as always. My husband and I are on the journey to becoming debt free. We know that it is something that God wants for us to do. There are so many distractions and discouragements around us. Thank you for the reminder to walk straight and stay focused on the One who called us.

[Helen]

Wow, honey, I can't imagine why you'd feel any kind of "electricity" in the air, or why you'd be in your enemy's sights... you're only storming the gates of hell, that's all.

You inspire me. I can't help but pout that your book doesn't come out until October... I guess being an author is an exercise in patience.

Hey... my kitten is out of the bag now, so I can share some fun news with you. I changed the link for my name for this post. Wanna see?

[Rebecca]

Turn your eyes upon Jesus. That's the song that ways playing in my head as I was reading this post. I mentioned that I'm on a committee for Global Day of Prayer and it's amazing how much spiritual attack I'm under right now. This just reaffirms what I know to be true. The Lord led me to Psalm 91:11 today and I like the amplified version as it also relates to what your saying. And it reads,For He will give His angels [especial] charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways [of obedience and service].

I need to stay faithful and obedient. Bless you and may the Lord protect you.

Also, congratulations Helen:) I will be praying for you too!

[Susie Larson]

Stephanie,

We're with you on that one. Having two kids in college at the same time was a mighty undertaking. May God grant your efforts great success! Be blessed~

[Susie Larson]

Helen,

Thanks for your words of encouragement. Really. :) And your YouTube link absolutely made me smile!

Friends, if you are reading these posts, check out Helen's URL link. It'll bless your day. What a gift! God knows what He's doing. :)

[Susie Larson]

Rebecca,

Isn't it something how when we step up for service, we feel the resistance?

Now's the time for me to start riding my bike outside. I always look at the trees to see what kind of wind resistance I'll have to contend with. I'm always surprised to find a lot of resistance even when the wind doesn't 'appear' to be blowing.

That's how it is with those who step up and step out. The one on the sideline could easily say, "I don't know what you're complaining about - there's no wind out there", but they are not riding against the wind; they're standing still.

You are a mighty woman of faith (and I loved that you offered to pray for Helen). Thanks for adding to the community life of this blog!

Bless you!

[Loree]

Susie,

the last two weeks, God has given me such reassurance through you! Thank you for your obedience and willingness to pay the price!

Melissa Greene has a new song, "Next Step" which has been resounding in my heart all week.

Thanks for helping a sister get up and keep walking.

Love in Christ,Loree

[Doreen]

Hi Susie! I signed up for your Newsletter and it's my first one. I have it and I should've read through it and saw the amazing giveaway of books!! Uggh.:( I will definitely read through next time to be sure that I don't miss out on anything. :)

I loved your story about the Englishman. Very powerful. Wow, he stormed the gates to seek his freedom walking in victory!! Pure Awesomeness. :)

[Susie Larson]

Dear Loree,

Isn't it something the way God allows us to do this journey together even though our paths never cross? We need Him and we need each other. Bless you, my sister.

[Susie Larson]

Dear Doreen,

No worries! The next E-zine comes out in July and now you'll be a savvy subscriber like some of the other gals on my list. Have a blessed day!

[Raine]

This story has been such an inspiration since I heard it at the confrence in Siren, WI! It reminds me of Corrie Ten Boom and how she was just such a woman of faith! Always keeping her eyes on the LOrd. Thank you for inspiring all of us to do the same.Blessings to you Susie!

[Susie Larson]

Dear Raine,

I'm (once again) SO behind on my blog replies! Thanks for stopping by! I'm glad you had a good time at the Siren conference. It was a wonderful event! Bless you, my sister!