Let’s take a look at how a walk in the park with my son reminded me of God’s great love. After each paragraph, I’ve added short bible verses to call attention to how His word provides comfort in so many life situations. Here we go.

A few weeks ago, my youngest son and I took a walk at a nearby park (something we started doing this past spring, read about it here). It was a beautiful day, and everyone wanted to be outside, seemingly at the same time, at the same park, on the same path. And this path is for everyone, walkers and bicyclists. 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 

I was walking on the inside of the walking path and getting startled by every cyclist passing us from behind without warning. Speak, for goodness’ sake! Where were those bicycle bells that used to be attached to every kid’s handlebars!?  

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 

Getting back to the story, after being startled a few times, my son changed his position taking my place on the inside of the path. By moving me to the outside, he was now protecting me. I felt safe. And for every walk since then, we take our new positions.  

My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:2 (ESV) 

When my son was small, I was the one placing myself between him and any harm I could think of. As if it would have to get past meet before reaching him, whatever it was. Now, he puts himself between me and the bicycle that passes without warning. 

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 

My son is a grown man now, so physical protection isn’t something I can effectively do for him anymore. But I can pray for his protection. I can rest in God’s great love for him. I can trust God for my son’s future. I can be thankful for God’s provision as he heads off to college again. This time to work on a master’s degree in sacred music. And I can simply be at peace with God’s plans because He is faithful.

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31 

How God showed His Great Love to the world

Did you ever think about how Jesus put himself between the enemy and us that day on the cross? His single act of humility, obedience, and surrender changed everything. 

Jesus gave up his human life to save and protect us and provide for us. God’s great love made a way for all of us who believe.  Each one who, by faith, accepts Jesus as Savior will spend eternity with Him.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 

Nothing else is required of you or me. God great love covered everything with His grace that day. 

So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:6 

And now, nothing can separate us from God’s great love.   

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39 

Thank you, Lord.

Do you know of God’s great love?

If you’ve heard about Jesus but haven’t taken the time to get to know Him, there’s no time like the present. ⁠Take a walk with Jesus and let Him walk on the inside of the path. Then, all you have to do is invite Jesus into your heart. He already did the rest. It’s pretty straightforward, and there is no wrong way to do it. Jesus is waiting for you with wide-open arms.⁠ ⁠

Here’s a simple prayer you can use if you’re having trouble finding the words.

Lord, I’m new at this, and I need your help. I know I haven’t always done things as I should, but I know now that I need and want Your forgiveness. I accept Your death as the penalty for my sin and recognize that Your mercy and grace are gifts You offer to me because of Your great love for me and nothing else. I don’t have to earn your love. By faith, I receive You into my heart as the Son of God, my Savior, and Lord of my life. From now on, help me to live with You in control. Thank you for waiting for me.
In Your precious name, Amen.

If you prayed this prayer, be assured that you will never walk alone again. Welcome to the family. Connect with other believers, get into God’s word daily, and spend time with Jesus in prayer and thankful anticipation of what He will do in your life.

Most weeks, you can find me on these blog linkups: Inspire Me Monday, Grace and Truth, Tell His Story, and Five Minute Friday. Visit them, share your work and enjoy inspiring posts. For the FMF family, I went rogue this week, not sticking with the time or the prompt. I trust you will forgive me.

Bicycle bell Photo by Milan Bosancic on Unsplash

Cross Photo by Jonathan Borba on Unsplash

All scripture references are from the ESV.