To My Knees by Mishael

To My Knees by Mishael - February 2014 Scholarship Essay

"I've been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go." Abraham Lincoln

Prayer. In the midst of the crazy storms of this life, when everything seems to be falling apart, I am reminded that I can quiet myself, kneel, and turn to my Fortress in prayer for shelter from the ever-raging tempests because I know that I have nowhere else to go.

I have always admired Abraham Lincoln as my favorite president; he had integrity and strength, as well as humility and compassion. Most of all, he knew by an "overwhelming conviction" that his strength was not his own, his success did not come because of himself, but was from One far greater than he. He knew that slavery was not his battle to fight, that the war being waged against the horrifying racism and inequality in America at the time did not fall on his shoulders as solely his responsibility -- again, he knew that there was One far greater than himself, and better yet far greater than the evil that was in the world.

I am so encouraged by what Abraham Lincoln said; though he was the highest human authority of the country, the head of the northern army fighting against slavery in the south, who is now seen as a great leader, he was able to humble himself to a higher Authority in the midst of his troubles. He did not stand with his chest puffed out and head held high, pridefully declaring that the North was going to win because of their mighty strength. No, he kneeled down on the floor, a mark of surrender, saying "I cannot do this on my own, I cannot do this..." He bowed his head and gave it all up to the One with true strength, the Fortress and Rock. He knew, by a strong, driving conviction that God was the only One he could turn to; he literally had "nowhere else to go." If God beat sin and death on the cross and through His resurrection, He can surely beat the evil in this country.

I am so thankful that God is the only One I can turn to, and when I do turn to Him, He will not fail me. Whether my worries or fears consist of a very small thing going on that day, worries about not knowing what path to take in my future, or even worries as big as the harsh reality of the millions of abortions that go on in this country alone -- I can kneel, I can humble myself to the King of kings, I can lay my fears before Him and trust Him with all my heart that He will bring it all out for good, and I can trust Him that He is already victorious and has already won the battle.

Whether the sun is shining brighter than ever or black clouds are covering the sky, I have nowhere else to run but into the Everlasting Arms of my Father.

"The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms; He will thrust out the enemy from before you, and will say 'Destroy!'" Deuteronomy 33:27