Are you being lifted up and carried?

Do you recall the last time someone went out of their way to help you? To lift you up? To carry you?

A couple weeks a cross country runner from Andover showed incredible compassion.  In the middle of a major race Josh Ripley heard a cry of a pain.  He glanced toward the ground as he ran around a crowded corner in the race and spotted an injured runner.

A freshmen from Lakeville had a gash in his foot from a running spike that was bleeding and inflicting him with pain.   In a very surprising and amazing move, Josh stopped. He walked right over to the injured runner, picked him up and carried him 100 yards to a place where he could receive medical attention.

Just as Josh lifted the injured runner and carried him, so we are called at times to simply stop- stop, respond, and help- immediately.  At other times we may find ourselves injured and crying out in pain and someone will stop to lift and carry us.

I am convinced that God loves us in every step of our journey of faith.  Ultimately, He is the one who lifts us through Jesus. He is the one who carries us.  All out of sheer love.

So, whether you find yourself doing the lifting or being lifted, know that it is all possible through the living and loving presence of God.

Joy in the Journey,

Pastor Durk Peterson, Alleluia! Lutheran Church, St. Michael