He Walks with Me

“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NIV) When my dad passed away, it was a hard time for my whole family, but especially my mom. She lost her life partner, and they say that losing your partner is like losing part of who you are. When two become one in marriage, and when those two have Christ in their relationship, they are extra blessed. A Christian couple has that extra bond, building their lives together. But death is inevitable, and when it comes, how do we carry on? Always remember that you are not alone. You may be familiar with the song In the Garden that begins with the words, “I come to the garden alone...” The original lyricist was writing about Mary Magdalene’s encounter in the garden close to where Jesus had been buried. She felt she was completely alone and, when she was approached by the angels, she wouldn’t even look up. She was distraught and just wanted to find Jesus’ body. But she was not alone. She was in the presence of the Lord and the angels! The same is true of us in times of trouble; we may feel alone but we are not. Jesus said, “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, to be with you forever . . . whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells within you” (John 14:16-17, NIV). That Scripture is referring to Jesus asking the Father to give us the Holy Spirit. He is with us in times of joy, but also in the times when we are brought to tears. Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word. It’s full of promises, especially the promise that we will get to see You, and be reunited with others of Your family. Help me to remember that this time on earth is temporary. Amen. — Tayola Brown (L’Hirondelle)   Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website. Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org