In HIS Grip Or In HIS Embrace?

An embrace is gentle. A grip is usually strong if not hard. An embrace is warm and affectionate. A grip can be firm or desperate, like something used to save a life. An embrace is an invitation, it is safe with freedom to let go in order to grow.

For years I have signed off many letters and emails with “In HIS grip.” I know I needed that reminder that Creator would never let go of me. When we step out in faith, or leap off those huge cliffs of faith, it is always reassuring to know we are belayed by the King of Kings!

Jesus in John 10:27-30 is still an anchor passage for me. “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”

One of the best illustrations I have from my own life is the first time I ever rappelled down the face of a cliff. I looked over the cliff and fear began to rise up inside of me. It was scary to trust the entire weight of my body to a rope with a harness, and to the person holding the belay line in case I did something wrong. There was a huge change in me once I rested on the rope and was able to trust that line. Bounding down the cliff was suddenly fun & fast.

Earlier this year a dear friend of mine was praying for me and she stopped to talk to me. Lisa pointed out that God was not holding me in a tight grip any more. The one who made me was embracing me gently. Maybe God never was holding me in a tight grip, but my fears needed that image to make me feel safe.

I have trusted His eternal belay line enough times now that I am much farther down the road of trust than I was. Now I am able to come and rest in His embrace to recharge me far more often than I cling to his grip to save me. I know more deeply now that I am saved and loved, even cherished.

Jesus tells us, “You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name.” John 15:16 NLT To produce eternal fruit we need to rest in our Makers embrace. 

Is there still a place for the grip? Yes, sometimes there is. But we are most nourished in the embrace.

And the belay line is always secure.

Do you remember the first time you really trusted God and His promises over your past experiences? Remember how foreign yet thrilling it felt? 

How is God inviting you to rest in His embrace today?