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action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home4/bamesber/public_html/goodshepherd/wp-includes/functions.php on line 61142\u00a0He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.<\/p>\n<\/div>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”SCRIPTURE #2″ _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||5px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]
8\u00a0I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.<\/p>\n<\/div>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
When you are stuck in the muck, reach out to God. He is there with a loving hand to help you and willing to set your feet on solid ground.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2741,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"\n
Have you ever been \u201cstuck in the muck?\u201d Muck seems to be readily available on the farm, and a rainy spell is not necessarily the culprit. This reminds me of an episode years ago when I was trailing a bull home that was causing trouble by getting out of his pasture. I managed to get him to the feedlot and through an open gate I previously prepared. I dismounted my 4-wheeler to wade through the deep muck for the purpose of closing the gate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lo and behold, there I was in the muck, when the bull turned and decided to show me what he thought of the venture. A lot goes through your mind when a 2000-pound bull is charging and you find yourself stuck in the muck. Obviously, I didn\u2019t have to think very long because the next thing I knew I was flying over the top of the gate. The deep muck on the other side however provided a soft landing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
God used this deep muck and mire to protect me. David found himself in muck as well as he writes in Psalm 40:2<\/a> \u201cHe lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.\u201d<\/em> Even though I didn\u2019t end up with my feet on solid ground, I was out of harm\u2019s way. On solid ground. How many times have you been stuck in the muck? The mire of life? Each one of us probably has in one shape or form. I know my faith is easily weakened in and amidst that muck, or despair in my life. It\u2019s during these times when I tend to lose focus that God\u2019s protective hand is right there to help. <\/p>\n\n\n\n That is why it is so important when the chips are down to ask God for help through prayer. He knows when we are weak and is waiting to help set us back on solid ground. All we need to do is put our trust in Him and ask for direction and guidance. Yes, it may seem you are still \u201cstuck in the muck\u201d, but when you place your trust in God and find His willing hand, you will also let go of your fear.. I know it has helped me as I reflect back on my mire moments. I then realize how God has used certain encounters to strengthen my faith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Maybe, just maybe, that firm place to stand has led to a greater purpose God has in store for me. God has a purpose for you as well. It may never be clear to what that purpose may be, but God knows. We are told in Psalms 32:8<\/a>, \u201cI will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.\u201d<\/em> In God\u2019s time, the muck will subside and the path on the solid ground will be known. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dear Lord, help me when I get stuck in the muck and guide me to a firm place to stand. Amen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Phil Bamesberger, Home<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nOn Solid Ground<\/h3>\n\n\n\n