by Brenda Branson

Several years ago on a hot summer day in Florida, a little boy decided to go for a swim in a lake behind his house. As he ran toward the lake, he discarded his shoes, socks, and shirt so he would be ready to jump into the cool water. As he swam toward the middle of the lake, he was unaware that an alligator was swimming toward the shore.

As the boy’s mother watched from the window of their home, she saw her son and the approaching alligator. Terrified, she ran toward the water, yelling to her son at the top of her lungs. When he heard her warning, he turned around and swam toward the shore.

It was too late! Just as the young boy reached his mother, the alligator reached him. From the dock, the woman grabbed her son by the arms just as the alligator snatched his legs. That began an incredible tug-of-war. But even though the alligator was much stronger than the woman, she was much too passionate to let go.

As a passerby heard the woman’s screams, he stopped and shot the alligator. The boy survived, but spent many weeks in the hospital. His legs were severely scarred from the teeth of the alligator, and his arms had deep scratches where his mother’s fingernails dug into his flesh as she tried to pull him away from the alligator.

When a reporter asked to see the boy’s scars, he pulled up his pant legs to show the bite marks of the alligator. But with great pride, he showed the reporter the scars on his arms. He said, “I have them because my Mom wouldn’t let go.”

Can you identify with this little boy? Do you have scars from a painful past? Did you wade out too deep into a dangerous situation and encounter an enemy who tried to destroy you?

Maybe you feel like you’re the object of a tug-of-war and you’re not sure whether or not you’ll be rescued or pulled under for the last time.

Don’t despair. God, your Father, is standing on the shore holding onto you, refusing to let you go. His love is stronger than the enemy’s grasp and deeper than the depths of despair which wash over you like the turbulent waves of the sea.

You may be aware of how much God loves you, but did you know He likes you? The Bible is full of references to God’s love, but have you noticed the verses that indicate how much God really likes you? Here are a few:

“O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know my every thought. You know what I am going to say even before I say it. You saw me before I was born. How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.” (Psalm 139:1, 2, 4, 16-17 NLT) Can you believe God still considers us “precious” after reading our secret thoughts?

In Zephaniah 3:17, God tells Israel how He feels about them (and about us today): “Cheer up Zion! Don’t be afraid! For the Lord your God has arrived to live among you. He is a mighty savior. He will rejoice over you with great gladness. With His love, He will calm all your fears. He will exult over you by singing a happy song.” (NLT)

Now reread that verse again and insert your name in all the blanks. “Cheer up _______! Don’t be afraid! For the Lord your God has arrived to live among you, _______. He is a mighty savior. He will rejoice over you, ________, with great gladness. With His love, He will calm all your fears. He will exult over you, _________ by singing a happy song.”

Can you believe that God is so glad to have you around? He rejoices over you with singing. He isn’t like the fickle lover who serenades you one minute and then gives you a harsh tongue lashing the next.

His love for you is not dependent on what you look like, who you know, or what you do. It is based on who He is. Whew . . . what a relief!

Now if you’re still saying negative things about yourself, STOP right now and remember God’s positive response.

You say, “It’s impossible.” God says, “All things are possible...” (Luke 18:27)

You say, “I’m too tired.” God says, “I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

You say, “Nobody really loves me.” God says, “I love you.” (John 3:16, 34)

You say, “I can’t go on.” God says, “My grace is sufficient.” (2 Corinthians 12:9; Psalm 91:15)

You say, “I can’t figure things out.” God says, “I will direct your steps.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

You say, “I can’t do it.” God says, “You can do all things through Christ who gives you strength.” (Philippians 4:13)

You say, “I’m not able.” God says, “I am able.” (2 Corinthians 9:8)

You say, “I can’t manage.” God says, “I will supply all your needs.” (Philippians 4:19)

You say, “I’m afraid.” God says, “I have not given you a spirit of fear...” (2 Timothy 1:7)

You say, “I’m always worried and frustrated.” God says, “Cast all your cares upon Me.” (1 Peter 5:7)

You say, “I feel so alone.” God says, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)

David wrote in Psalm 27, “Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close.

Yes, God loves you... but more than that, He likes you! You were not a mistake (Psalm 139:16) and He has great plans for your future. (Jeremiah 29:11)

The next time the enemy tries to pull you under, fight back with the truth of Scripture and the confidence that God won’t ever let you go!

Brenda Branson, Copyright © 2001-2008 All Rights Reserved

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