Nashville, Tennessee, United States - The Upper Room Daily Devotional "The Everlasting Arms" for Friday, 17 October 2014 - Read Deuteronomy 33:26-29

Nashville, Tennessee, United States - The Upper Room Daily Devotional "The Everlasting Arms" for Friday, 17 October 2014 - Read Deuteronomy 33:26-28 There is none like God, Jeshurun,
    riding to your rescue through the skies,
    his dignity haloed by clouds.
The ancient God is home
    on a foundation of everlasting arms.
He drove out the enemy before you
    and commanded, “Destroy!”
Israel lived securely,
    the fountain of Jacob undisturbed
In grain and wine country
    and, oh yes, his heavens drip dew.
29 Lucky Israel! Who has it as good as you?
    A people saved by God!
The Shield who defends you,
    the Sword who brings triumph.
Your enemies will come crawling on their bellies
    and you’ll march on their backs.
The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.(Deuteronomy 33:27 (NIV))
This summer I stepped out of my comfort zone and enrolled in an acting class. We began by reading our parts from scripts; the script gave me confidence, and I liked holding it in my hand as I acted my part. But as the class progressed, the professor asked us to memorize our parts. As I prepared for opening night, I was terrified I would forget some of my lines.
The day of the performance arrived, and our professor introduced us by saying, “Tonight, our players are performing without a safety net, so send your positive thoughts out to them.”My heart pounded as I walked onto the stage with no script — feeling exposed and vulnerable.
As I reflected later on our professor’s introduction, I realized that in life we never have to perform without a safety net. When Moses led the children of Israel to the brink of the Promised Land, his final words to them reminded them that through the journey God had been their refuge and strength in unknown territory. No matter what part we are given to play in life and how unfamiliar the stage, God’s arms are underneath to uphold, comfort, and catch us if we fall.
The Author: Zoe M. Hicks (Georgia)
Thought for the Day: We are never without the safety net of God’s everlasting arms.
Prayer: Dear God, with your everlasting arms underneath, give us courage to step out wherever you call. Amen.
Prayer focus: Aspiring actors
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