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Protecting the Gift In All Seasons
So I have obeyed the Gospel, meaning I have confessed my sins to God knowing the awful impact they have had on my life and those I love. I have recognized Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, the Son of God and the one person who could wash me white as snow. I have decided to go to church and to make this declaration publicly. And, when the preacher asks all the pertinent questions, I happily say yes, I do, and submit to being baptized into the death of Christ—immersed in the watery grave just as the Bible has instructed me to do.
I am relieved. My past is behind me, and similarly to the Ethiopian I go on my way rejoicing! I am now ready to set sail on life’s journey, confident I am armed with all I need to fight the good fight. Except, I have not fully grasped Matthew 6:36, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and its righteousness and all these things will be added unto you.” Yet, here I am aboard a ship on this vast ocean of life, not really concerned about God’s advice about preparing for the voyage that can sometimes be really rough. I have never been in choppy water, and I tell myself it can’t possibly be that bad. Besides, how can anyone as strong as I am have difficulty navigating any course? I Corinthians 10:12 does not apply to me: “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall.” Well, here comes the torrential rain. I have not developed relationships with like-minded believers, so there is no one to help me in this downpour. I try reaching out to those I have associated with, such my fun friends or those I spend the most time with at work. They are limited, though, to offering me encouraging words that help me get through it.
Finally, the floods stop. Suddenly, I realize those who I was having this great time with weren’t truly my friends at all, and I am drenched with fear and disappointment. Yup, James 4:4 is right, “You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.” “For, all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world,” (John 2:16).
The waves quiet for a time, and I enjoy a modicum of peace. I decide to relax. Sure, I prayed when the waters were coming down, Help me dear Lord, but I escaped, so why trouble myself with prayers each day. This job is very important, and I begin to react to every command from my boss. Get this done; be at this event; meet this deadline. Even though, this is the third Sunday in a row I have skipped worship, I am worn out. I just need to sleep in a day. God will understand; and it seems He does. I am climbing the corporate ladder and these raises are the bomb. I conveniently forget Matthew 6:24, "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
Today, the call comes. My favorite uncle has died. Gone? How? I didn’t even share the Gospel with Him. God why? This one is unbearable. It is a storm like no other. Everyone around me is sad, and I am also distraught. I have no comforting words for my family. Am I not a saint, who is supposed to speak the oracles of God, according to 1 Peter 4:11? Should I not have “sanctified the Lord God your hearts, and be ready always to give an answer to every man who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear,” like in 1 Peter 3:15? What hope? I am not prepared for this! I cannot pray for myself, so how on earth can I pray for others?
Suddenly, I am not able to function when I return to work, because I am terribly confused. I am unable to recall the scriptures about this fallen world and about death. Instead, I am in total despair and I lose my job, unable to cope with the sadness. I am lost at sea. I thought God would take care of me and everyone around me. Where is God? Acts 17:27-28 sounds good, “that they should seek God, if haply they might feel after him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us For in Him we live, and move, and have our being; as also certain of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’” However, these are not words I have brought on this crossing. I have spreadsheets, demographics and income projections in my vernacular—lingo that is useless in these times. I have neglected the most important gift, my salvation. I am wind burned, bruised and forlorn. If the shore is two miles out, I don’t see it for the tears, the pain, and the disappointment. God, please help me!
It turns out He has been watching me the entire time and sends a lifesaver to me, and I am comforted with the words, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). I am persuaded that neither life nor death shall separate me from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:35). Thankfully, someone has noticed my little tattered boat and comes to rescue me. A person who has been through similar strife helps me find the tools to repair my broken vessel. Weekly studies, prayer, daily scriptures sent to my phone. Little by little I regain consciousness for God’s word and value His way, until I am fully restored.
Wait! Wasn’t it a gift, how could I possibly have earned it? I cannot, but Matthew 13:44 says, "The kingdom of heaven is like unto a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found, and hid; and in his joy he goes and sells all that he hath, and buys that field.” I listen now, and learn that while the gift was freely given, I am supposed to protect the gift at all costs. The sticky notes are on my heart to remind me. If you love me keep my commandment (John 14:23). If you love me, feed my sheep (John 21:17).
THANK YOU LORD FOR THIS INDESCRIBABLE GIFT.
