A Lenten Devotion by Heather McGraw
In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters.
Genesis 1:1
I have a well-worn book which belonged to my Dad, “Strength for Service to God and Country”. The inscription: “Presented to: William “Billie” McGraw, By: John G. Rogers, Minister Edwards Congregational Church, Saxonville, Mass. Presented: January 21, 1945” as he headed off to WWII. Within the pages Dad noted “Places I have been” listing the military training camps he was at and places he was shipped to in the U.S. and Korea, along with the names of the ships, (it took 3 weeks from Korea to San Francisco and another two weeks to home). I can’t imagine the fears he held at the time as did many others; as I read his list I am forever grateful God watched over him and brought him home safely…otherwise I would not exist.
I noted in particular in this book a page worn more than the others and this is what I share with you.
A Day with God
In the beginning God…- Gen. 1:1a.
“In the beginning God…” With these majestic words the Bible opens. They constitute a sublime affirmation of faith, a penetrating challenge to every life. The truly great persons of all ages have placed God in the beginning of their life enterprises. In the beginning of each day’s plan and purpose they have looked first to God for guidance. Daniel looked to God thrice a day and defied a pagan king; the prophets sought God’s will and then went forth unafraid; Jesus, His temptation, in His ministry, in Gethsemane, and on Calvary incarnated the principle of “In the beginning God…” and Jesus overcame all evil. No great Christian ever lived who did otherwise.
In contrast, how often we begin and live our days as we please. We give God almost no place in our plans or in our purposes for living. Then, in the evening, we pray: “Bless, O God, what we have done this day; establish Thou the work of our hands.” And, when God cannot put the blessing of His approval upon what we have done, we are cross with God, and petulantly declare, “There’s nothing to prayer.” Why not try, “In the beginning God….?”
Heavenly Father, it is good to know that Thou art available. A new day lies before me. That I may go forth strong and ready, let me breakfast at Thy table. Lend to me for this day some of Thy wisdom and courage and good will. Fashion the plans of my life for this day. Establish the purposes of my life, and give unto me the assurance of Thy companionship. Then no way will be too difficult, no trail too steep. When this day is over may I rejoice in the knowledge that I have not departed from the purpose true and lovely loaned to Thee at break of day. Amen.