In the quiet of the morning, the birds were beginning to encourage the sun to peep through the tall pines. A cup of coffee, a scented candle burning, music about our Lord playing quietly, and my Bible let me know it was going to be a beautiful day! All was well.
With no warning, my heart was stricken with emotion; tears flowed. I cried unto God and poured out my heart to Him."Time has run out! You had the power to fix this, to bring the prodigal home, to make things better… and You chose not to! My heart is broken. I feel all hope is gone."
I listened to His voice."Child, your timetable is not Mine. Yes, I have the ability to change circumstances, to change hearts, to change your heart. My ways are not your ways. It is good that you have been afflicted. You cry to me that your faith is weak, but I have grace for you today, for this moment, for the times you don't know how to pray, for the times you feel like giving up, for the times you are overwhelmed. I have never failed you. I am with you. I love you, child. My workings are not always visible to your eyes. You cannot see what I see. Rest in My Words – rest in Truth." The song "His Grace Still Amazes Me" became the continual song of my heart this day.
Just a few hours later, the Wednesday night sermon at church was based on Luke 15 – considering the compassionate father. My own earthly father has lived this out – making this passage very clear. The father was a picture of expectation, knowledge and prayerfulness. He would look for his son to return every day. He would arise each morning with the question, "Will this be the day?" "Will this be the day my son comes home?" "Will this be the day that God breaks through?" He expected him to return. The father knew his son and knew there would be consequences for his son's sinful behavior, yet he also knew what God could do! With a broken heart, the father faithfully prayed for his soon return. With faith, the father continued to not only feed, but to fatten a calf in faith. Applying this to my life, I must continue fulfilling my God-given responsibilities with expectation because one day will be "the day." When "the day" comes, I want the calf to be fat and fully prepared. You can listen to this sermon here. (Bro. Wes Rigdon, 8/3/11)
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may resIn the quiet of the evening, when all was still, God had supplied grace sufficient for me. Tomorrow might be "the day!" All was well.
When my faith is weak, His grace is available and adequate.
"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." – II Corinthians 12:9
When my faith is weak, His strength makes pressing on possible.
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." – Philippians 4:13
When my faith is weak, His work is worth waiting on!
"Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not." -Jeremiah 33:3
When my faith is weak, His power exercised must be expected.
"My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from Him." -Psalm 62:5
When my faith is weak, His plan for me can be perfected.
"The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth forever: forsake not the works of thine own hands." -Psalm 138:8
Do you have a prodigal situation in your life? Do you have a handful? As the father of the prodigal met each day with hope, so let us.
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