Come Walk With Me – Sue DeRaad
Come Walk with Me
by Sue DeRaad
“Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden. But the LORD God called to the man, “Where are you?” He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.” Genesis 3:8-10Genesis 3:8-10
“Come walk with me.” Those life-filling words became the still small voice ushering in the hope that filled my heart as I read Genesis, understanding for the first time that relationship was offered to Adam and Eve even after the fall in the garden gave me hope. God, being fully aware of their sin, offered relationship to them. His heart and purpose for us from the beginning was His desire for relationship with us, knowing us and knowing us intimately! Adam and Eve, having sinned and also being very aware of their disobedience, hid! But there, in Genesis 3:8-10, God in His great love for his children called out, “Where are you?” He said this already knowing where they were.
I hid too after my affair, so ashamed, yet feeling entitled to what little happiness I could find. After all, my husband hadn’t pursued me for years. He was hiding as well, in the snare of his own addiction. I felt ashamed and abandoned, so I chose to hide in a life that looked perfect, where no one would find me. But God knew where I was all along; He never gave up on me. He kept calling me to join Him, but I was afraid to come out. I didn’t want him to see the fig leaves I had attached to myself.
I hid in the shell of a woman who lived the part well. The “Godly” wife, a wonderful mom, a supportive daughter, a sister of three, active in our church and I (we) never lacked for friends. Our children were popular and active in sports. I appeared to have it all. Don’t get me wrong, I never saw my identity as false…I lived it so well that even I didn’t know that it wasn’t real! Is that called “denial?”
As a woman, I have a unique need for relationship and I have tasted and know that true intimacy with God is good! It is my desire to speak love, forgiveness and hope for a healthy and fulfilling future to both women and couples. Please meet me at Grace Rivers and let’s learn together. Come walk with me into a journey of exploring who we really are. Let me extend a hand as God pulls us out together from that hiding place that feels so safe. Do you hear His voice? Don’t worry if you don’t-you will-because He is calling you to “Come walk with me, my precious daughter.”
This journey will require stepping into the light as He lifts you up. Let me hold your hand along the way. We’ll take new steps together as you make your way back to yourself and the relationship God so longs to share with you.
