The story of Brent carrying his son through those floodwaters echoes something much bigger that God has been showing His people for thousands of years. In the wilderness, the Israelites needed that same kind of reminder. Moses, looking back on everything they had walked through, told them plainly: “There you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a father carries his son” (Deuteronomy 1:31).
This wasn’t the first time God had shown them mercy. Even after they rebelled at the foot of Mount Sinai—building a golden calf and turning their backs on Him—God revealed His heart to Moses. He is “gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love” (Exodus 34:6; see also Nehemiah 9:17 and Joel 2:13). Time after time, when His people repented and turned back to Him, He forgave them and restored their fellowship. That same forgiving love runs all through Scripture.
The whole book of Deuteronomy is Moses speaking to the next generation on the edge of the Promised Land. He recounts their long journey from Egypt, the failures and the miracles, urging them to stay faithful as they prepare to move forward. In that context, Deuteronomy 1:31 lands with real power. Moses is painting a picture of intimate, fatherly care. God didn’t leave them to struggle alone. He carried them, provided for them, protected them, and kept guiding them even when their faith grew shaky.
That father-and-son image carries several deep truths. It shows God’s unwavering faithfulness and provision. The Israelites faced hunger, thirst, enemies, and their own doubts, yet God never abandoned them. It also highlights the covenant relationship—God had bound Himself to them in love and loyalty, promising to be their God as they committed to be His people. And it reveals His complete sovereignty. He was present in every step of the journey, working out His plan.
The wilderness itself becomes a picture of real life. Those dry, difficult stretches mirror the trials we face today. But the verse whispers the same comfort: God is right there in the middle of it, carrying us. We don’t have to be strong enough to walk every mile on our own.
We may get wounded along the way. We might lose things we hold dear—even our lives. Yet just as a father carries his weary son all the way home, our heavenly Father will carry us safely to the place He has promised. The final destination is secure. That truth gives us courage to face whatever stands against us, unafraid.
So when storms hit and the path feels overwhelming, remember the God who carries His children. He has done it before. He is doing it now. And He will carry you all the way home.
By: Grace Adler