Discussion/Devotional Quote of the Day:

“You are extraordinarily happy.  Sometimes you may find out that God has been abandoned by a son of his.  THen in the midst of the peace and joy deep within you, you have a pang of grief and a sorry which arises from affection, but you do not allow it really to disturb or upset you.
All right, but.. make sure you use all human and supernatural resources available to help him change his mind. And you must trust fully in Jesus Christ!  If you do, the waters will return to their course.”  Escriva

It may be a child, or a grandchild, It may be a high school friend  – so active in the church during his teens, yet now has no time for God now in his forties, fifties, sixties even.  There is even now  a classification for such people – the “de-churched”   Sometimes they say they believe in God, sometimes they are very angry at God and they say they can’t believe (how can someone be angry at Someone they don’t believe exists?  Another question, another day!) Sometimes they live as if it just doesn’t matter, they are so apathetic to anything spiritual…. and sometimes it is that they just have their priorities backward…

It should sadden us, more than just a passing thought. We should pray – deeply pray for such people, and yearn as the Father does for their return.  We must also carefully and completely show our care for theme – not nag and harass them – but be there for them,  Walk with them instead – journey at their side – for you know where you are going, even if they do not.  Don’t be afraid of the mire they are stuck in, you cannot if you are to be the one who brings them the words of life.. and re-kindle that flame of love and adoration of a God who got down into your muck, your mire, to rescue you.

I put in bold the key – the idea that first, always, our trust cannot be in our powers of persuasion, but in Jesus’ love.  Nor should we give up hope – for the hope you have for their restoration is found in Jesus, and in the prodigals Daddy, who looked and desired the homecoming of his wandering son.  Keep interceding – asking God for their return – knowing God desires it even more than you do.  Keep praying, and when the doors are open – be ready and share the love and peace of Christ which you so treasure.

“Lord Have Mercy” we cry, and we know He has…

therefore know He who pulled you out of the mire, walks with you this day…