Footprints, Revisited

For years,  the Footprints in the Sand poem has perplexed me.  Not that the sentiment isn’t lovely.  It depicts Jesus as our strength when we are weak,  our voice when we can’t speak, the wind beneath our wings….etc., etc. The reason I have never liked this poem is because I could never reconcile why – if  the Guy who walked on water,  raised the dead,  and fed thousands with a two-piece fish dinner is strolling the beach with me,  I have to be hoisted on his back and drug along in all my weakness, infirmity and sorrow?   

If He really is God why wouldn’t He just lean over and say,  “Ya know what?   I had one mission when I walked the earth, and it was to assure that you have life, and it more abundantly.  So why are you trying to lay on me?  I am here, and because I am here – you can not only walk on your own – but run, skip, dance or do cartwheels.  I already carried every burden you will ever encounter so that you wouldn’t have to.  The stripes on my back purchased your peace and freedom.   My death, burial and resurrection canceled your sin and debt.    Please ….. WALK in your liberty.   WALK in what I died to provide.”    

Recently,  I received an email from a friend who shares my Footprints aversion.   She wrote, “I’ve always thought that if Jesus were carrying me, I would know it and not wonder why there was only one set of prints.”   But she goes on….. “Today I realized something.  I realized that when there is only one set of footprints,  it isn’t because He is carrying me,  it is because I am fully believing the truth that He is in me,  I am in Him,  and we are one.”  

Colossians 1 speaks of a mystery which is… “Christ in you, the hope of glory.”   Christ in you…..you in Christ.  Colossians 2 goes on. “As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord – so WALK in Him.”  So walk in Him.  One set of footprints.  I get it.  

Thank you Lord for not carrying me – but enabling me to walk – not just WITH you – but IN You.