It's Time to Let Go

Hi Friends,

It's good to be alive, isn't it? There are so many things our Heavenly Father has provided to enrich our lives and make our hearts glad. Nevertheless, not many persons today are enjoying abundant life. Many of us are too busy fighting our own battles against pain, suffering and injustice. We are therefore unable to stop, be still and recognize that amid the thorns are beautiful, sweet smelling roses.

Is it possible that injury can be endured with patience and without resentment? Is it even possible that we can serve others while our own lives are being battered and broken? I believe so. God sometimes allow His people to endure difficult circumstances so that their lives can be testimonies of His grace and care for all men. Sometimes, like Moses and other patriarchs of old, we become broken in the fingers of God for the ultimate good of those around us. It is through our own broken places that many of our family members, friends, neighbours and even enemies are able to see the great God of the Universe.

Have we ever stopped to comprehend the great truth that opposition and disobedience are calls to reveal grace? Interestingly, grace is needed when it is least deserved. It is when our spouse is at his/her worst that grace is most needed, but isn't that the time when we feel least like giving it? When our children are most obstinate and disobedient it is so easy to mete out justice and withhold grace. We find it easy to forget that God is watching with great interest to see how much compassion we have for those who are wayward.

We are not by nature lovable. My favourite writer made this statement: 'The beasts of the field obey their Creator's law in the instinct which governs them. He speaks to the proud ocean, "Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further" (Job 38:11); and the waters are prompt to obey His word. The planets are marshaled in perfect order, obeying the laws which God has established. Of all the creatures that God has made upon the earth, man alone is rebellious.' Interesting, isn't it? So then, man in and of himself is an enemy of God. Rebellion hurts so we can safely conclude that when we sin we hurt God since sin is rebellion against the divine authority of God. There's a big question here. Since God so loved us while we were yet sinners- rebellious, unthankful, unholy, why can't we love our enemies? Why can't we love the opposition? God gives to the unjust man rain and sunshine. how then should we treat them as well?

Here is where I'll leave off for today. We need to contemplate these things and see whether we can find it in our hearts to be meek enough to endure hurts with patience and without resentment. Can we love our rebellious children, our difficult spouses, our inquisitive and gossipy neighbour, our difficult employer, our co-worker who libels us, our offending family members, or the thief in our comunity? Can we...Can we...Can we...? We must.

Do have a blessed day. Love you all.