The Frog

This morning I left for work while it was still dark. I backed my black Suburban out of the garage like I do every morning at this time, being careful of the fence and the neighbor's hedge. I hadn't gotten up speed yet when I saw a frog just ahead in my headlights. He hopped a couple of hops then hesitated, startled. Poor little guy! When he got up this morning all he wanted to do was go out for a breakfast bug and here I show up and scare him to death. The Suburban is so large he couldn't even see all of it! He just knew there was something really, REALLY big and frightening in his path. I stopped the truck and got out to shoo him out of the way. He was so confused he didn't know which way to go. He went one direction then hesitated, turned and went another direction. I guided him safely to the grass again and spoke soothingly to him. Then, he went about his merry way, albeit a different way than he intended when his day began.
I got back into the truck and it dawned on me. How like that frog we are! We start out going one direction not knowing that a Black Beast looms nearby ready to squash (pun intended) our attempts at following God. Our faithful and loving Lord gently guides us out of harm's way- AGAIN. The danger is so huge we can't see all of it but, oh Beloved! Our Lord does! He whispers softly and tenderly to us and leads us back to safety. The way we were going may not be the same path He puts us own, but His is the safest route. And the Black Beast moves stealthily away seeking someone else to devour.
Be encouraged! The Black Beast cannot harm you because you have a gracious and adoring Father who will stop it in its tracks and guide you back to the shelter of His arms. The Beasts that we encounter-some seen, some not- are no match for Him Who loves us so!