Our winter days can be bleak and bitter. But there are those days when the wind settles and the sun is mild and lovely. The air is crisp but not biting. And a gentle light flows over everything, softening the stark winter landscape into something soothing and peaceful. The change of season is distinct and often spectacular - nature announces the time of year, man and beast adjust to it's rhythm. Our children continue to thrive, regardless. But for me, it is often a time of survival, when I have to dig deep to stay strong and joyful. A great part of our days revolve around keeping warm. Without the glow of a fire in the hearth, a mountain home seems almost devoid of life. When the sun is weak and the wind merciless, I tend to ponder too much, and sing too little. My fingers are stiff and slow to reach for the bible on my bedside table. I hide them under the blankets or buried in my pockets, while burdens lay heavy on my heart.
At times, surrounded by so much beauty and blessed to be able to live a simple life, the reality of the world out there seems a bit like a mirage in the desert. But one cannot isolate yourself anywhere, the enemy does not discriminate and our village is no paradise. We are in this world, and it's madness and depravity cannot be escaped. But it can be overcome. And we can play a role in bringing the Kingdom of God nearer, especially to those who do not know Jesus for who He truly is.
The human heart has a tendency to divide people into "the good" and "the bad". We pray for the "good" ones, and hope that God will deal with the "bad" ones fairly and justly. But I realised quite some time ago, that this is not a reflection of God's heart. He sees the "saved" and the "unsaved" and loves them all equally. One of the most loved images of Jesus is of Him carrying a lamb. The lost one, the stray, which he brought back from peril, against all odds. There are so many parables drawing our eyes to a Saviour who goes to great lengths to return the lost to him, who does not want one of His precious ones to "perish".
In a world gone crazy, with the cup of wrath filling up faster than we can imagine, it is easy to loose sight of the fact that Jesus still desires for ALL men to know Him and be saved. And in the light of that knowledge, it is hard to understand why they are not. We see people stubbornly clinging to their old ways, sinking deeper into the quicksand of unbelief. Or being slowly poisoned by little lies, diluting the essence of Truth, which is Jesus Christ. Until the distorted faith has no more power or real effect in their lives.
Some of these people may be very near and dear to us. But some are appointed as rulers of our country, beggars by the roadside, the man on who's heart evil has a strong hold, and who has succumbed to a life of crime. The woman who has sold her body so many times that it has become just another way to survive. The person who has wronged or hurt you, or mocks your faith. But God looks down, and is overcome by sadness and love. For them all. And longing. The same longing which caused Him to surrender His Son to the cross.
As we draw nearer to Him, we start feeling a hint of that sadness. The sadness for mankind. But then unexpectedly, for a complete stranger or someone we distinctly dislike, a neighbour, a friend or family member. For those whose eyes may be merry, but lack the light of Jesus. Our hearts break when a loved one looses sight of the Way, for a way which seems easier and offers more instant and obvious rewards.
That is when I know that we are still "urged" to offer "requests, prayers, intercessions, and thanks on behalf of ALL people". For it is "good and acceptable" to our Lord who "desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth". ~ 1 Timothy 2:2-4
And I want His desire to be mine.
It is also a deep comfort to me in this time, to be reminded that Jesus still goes after that one lost sheep, not just once, but time and again. I will not stop praying, for I know that He does not stop saving. Jesus goes to untold lengths to woe His lost children back into the fold. It may seem like our prayers are to no avail at times but: "The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance" ~ 2 Peter 3:9
In each heart there is a void that can only be filled by Jesus. We were made for Him, through Him. Does a parent ever stop loving a rebellious child or stop longing to hold him near as when he was just a baby? How much more does our heavenly Father long for those who need Him so, but do not realise it.
I cannot possibly pray for everyone by name, but it has been special to see how the Holy Spirit places very specific people on the paths and hearts of people who have made themselves willing to intercede on behalf of others. God does not need us to save, a soul is brought to repentance and is saved by the working of the Holy Spirit. But my faithful prayer may open the way for this to happen. It is the difference between standing at the edge of a cliff, helplessly looking down at a fallen child of God, or having a rope to throw down. With Jesus, we have that and more - but it is still up to the person involved to take hold of it, and it is still the strength and grace of God which pulls him/her back to safety. Inch by painful inch at times, times in which persistent prayer and trust keeps the hope alive.
This remains to me, one of the amazing miracles of our faith: The authority we have. It makes me feel strong, yet humble. No longer a helpless witness, but chosen and equipped to step into the battle with confidence. No longer crippled by a misplaced despondency over the state of the world or individuals in it. Many battles have been fought and won in the quiet, often lonely places of prayer. There are no medals for bravery or accolades for achievement here. Just deep, strong trusting hearts, satisfied to live out the desire of the One they love and serve beyond question or doubt. For when Jesus is (and was) lifted up from the earth, he will draw ALL men unto Him. ~ John 12:32
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