21 Days of Prayer. Day 9. Blindfolded. There is a story about a native Indian father who talked to his son about becoming a man. He took his son into the forest, blindfolded him and left him alone. The boy had to sit on a stump all night without removing the blindfold until the morning sun shined through it. He could not cry out for help to anyone and if he could survive that experience through the night, he will have crossed over into manhood!

Naturally, the boy was terrified. He could hear all kinds of noises. He imagined wild beasts all around him and thought, maybe someone would sneak up and hurt him.

Then he noticed the wind blowing the grass and the earth, and suddenly the stump shook underneath him. This was very unnerving, but he stayed put, sitting there, remembering his father's words and did not remove the blindfold. It was the only way he could become a man!

Finally, he felt the warmth of the sun and its beams began to shine through. It was a frightening night but he made it and removed his blindfold. As he slowly looked around he was surprised his father was sitting right there, on the stump next to him!

His father had been there, watching over him the entire night, protecting his son from danger.

That's just like God! We are never alone. Remember 2 Corinthians 5:7 says, "For we walk by faith, not by sight..."

Heavenly Father, thank you for being there even when I don't know it. It is so comforting to discover that in my dark moments, uncertain times and scary circumstances, You are sitting on the stump, watching over me. Just because I don't see You doesn't mean You're not there. I now know that when trouble comes, all I need to do is reach out to You. With this revelation, I truly walk by faith and not by sight. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen!

Inspiring Hope and Seasoning Faith, Pastor Sean