day 63 (week 9, day 7)
Published July 7th, 2008 in reflectIt is a grace when you realize “you are too old to lie anymore.” Face yourself. Find yourself in Luke 15.
Lost. Father, I can recall many times where I have felt that. Stuck in the middle of nowhere with no idea of how I got there. It is more than a comfort to know that you don’t forget me. I am still reconciling with what that means because I’ve seen many people who profess to love you forsaken in my eyes. They cry out for you and suffer death even. Surely you have not forgotten them, Lord. They can’t be lost. Surely this life is not the only means of your promises being fulfilled. Teach me in my misunderstanding and finite knowledge, God. Remember me. And them. Amen.
Yes, when we wake up to our lives and find ourselves lost, not knowing how we got here, like the wasteful/prodigal son…how comforting to know that our Father finds us. And not only does he find us as soon as he sees our approach he rejoices and comes rushing toward us to receive us and hug and kiss us and to throw a great big party…yea! Also to think that when God sees us its not as a forgiven sinner, but as his flock, as that silver coin ,as the sons of God. Again yea!
As far as people suffering unto death even as they cry out to God, well i always remember Hebrews 11:35-38, where it talks about all the beatings and wandering around in deserts, and being afflicted, destitute and tormented…and all these having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise.
Having hardships and trials and difficulties in life does not mean you don’t have faith or are lost or aren’t doing something “right”. The same faith that enables some to escape troubles enables others to endure it. The same faith that enables some to escape death helps others to die victoriously. Paul was constantly writing about his hardships and sickness and imprisonments and in the end he spent his last days in prison and was crucified…this the man who wrote most of the new testament! God is not our bridge over troubled waters, but our pathway through them.
VERY well written and expressed, Tiff. This is something for me to chew on for a few days. Thank you!