24 Jul: Carried by the Father
And you saw how the Lord your God cared for you all along the way. . . just as a father cares for his child. Now he has brought you to this place. Deuteronomy 1:31
Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 1:26–31
In 2019, Hurricane Dorian slammed into the Bahamas with relentless rain, howling winds, and devastating floods—the worst natural disaster the islands had ever seen. Brent was at home with his adult son, who has cerebral palsy, and he knew they had to get out. Though Brent is blind, he lifted his son onto his shoulders and waded into water up to his chin, carrying him to safety.
If an earthly father will push through something so difficult to protect his child, how much more does our heavenly Father care for us? In the Old Testament, Moses reminded the Israelites of the ways God had carried them through the wilderness, even when their faith faltered. He spoke of how God delivered them, gave them food and water in the desert, fought their battles, and led them with pillars of cloud by day and fire by night. Looking back on it all, Moses told them, “And you saw how the Lord your God cared for you all along the way. . . just as a father cares for his child” (Deuteronomy 1:31).
The journey through the wilderness was far from easy, and the people’s trust wavered more than once. Yet time after time, they saw God’s protection and provision. That picture of a father gently, bravely, and steadily carrying his son captures so well how God watches over His children. Even now, when life brings hard seasons that stretch our faith, we can hold onto this: God is right there, carrying us through.
By: Debby Applegate
Go deeper on: Carried by the Father
Reflect & Pray
In what ways have you seen God’s provision and protection in your life? How can you face difficulties knowing that God carries you tenderly and confidently?
Loving God, help me remember that You carry me, even when I don’t feel it. Thank You for Your strength and compassion.