Baby girl is walking! What a joy to watch my granddaughter take her first steps and see the look on her face when she realizes she can really do this! Oh how her world has grown by leaps and bounds. She stills falls down and “goes boom,” but her mom and dad encourage her to get right back up and keep going. Can you imagine if her parents kicked her every time she fell down and shouted, “Get up! What’s wrong with you?! You big baby, you can’t even walk! You’re worthless, you’ll never amount to anything!” Of course not!

And just like we can’t imagine an earthly parent doing this to their child, so our heavenly Father doesn’t do this to His children when we fall; at any age. He energizes those who get tired, gives fresh strength to dropouts. For even young people tire and drop out, young folk in their prime stumble and fall. But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, They run and don’t get tired, they walk and don’t lag behind. Isaiah 40:29-31 (MSG)

Heavenly Father, You love us with all your heart. You encourage those of us here on earth to fulfill Your purpose and plan for our lives. Even when we fall, You are right there helping us get back up and keep on walking and moving forward. Your love surrounds us, defends us, and restores us. Amen.

The Lord is a strong fortress. The godly run to him and are safe. Proverbs 18:10 (TLB)