“I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love. To them I was like one who lifts a little child to the cheek, and I bent down to feed them.” Hosea 11:4
Who knew; how many of us really knew or had a clue of what our life journey would be like? Did you imagine you would be here today? When I was a nineteen year-old man, working in highway construction, there were times when paths that I selected ultimately separated me from God; for a moment. He continued to pursue me while I was seemingly happily sloshing in the mud on these tangled trails that satan provided for me to those areas that were a ‘sure thing’ when seeking adventure in a sinful world.
Who knew? He did not give up on me and He did not give up on you or the children in Haiti. He did not write me off as a lost sheep that was unable to stay in the fold. He did not despise, reject or abandon me. It is humbling to consider how our Heavenly Father followed each of us through the dark paths upon which we have walked, worked and wasted away. He was there by our side through some of life’s terrible challenges.
Only our Savior Jesus Christ could possibly care enough for you, me and the children in Haiti to bring us to Himself; just as we are. Just as our Good Shepherd brought us back into His fold, He feeds each of us. Who knew that our Heavenly Father would have brought you here today, to help in the process of feeding His sheep in Haiti? Who knew? Lord Jesus, take me just as I am, because I need you; now. A few weeks ago, I was meditating on the words from the hymn ‘Just as I am’ by Charlotte Elliot written in 1835 and my thoughts started to fall into a proper place, during this moment in time along my journey. Hope that you will find peace reading these words. And, if you get a chance, listen to Carrie Underwood sing this song and then have a talk with Jesus.
“Just as I am without one plea, but that Thy blood was shed for me. And that Thou bidst me come to Thee, O Lamb of God, I come! Just as I am and waiting not. To rid my soul of one dark blot. To Thee, whose blood can cleanse each spot, O Lamb of God, I come! Just as I am though toss'd about. With many a conflict, many a doubt. Fightings and fears within, without, O Lamb of God, I come! Just as I am poor, wretched, blind; sight, riches, healing of the mind. Yea, all I need, in Thee to find, O Lamb of God, I come! Just as I am Thou wilt receive, wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve. Because Thy promise I believe, O Lamb of God, I come! Just as I am Thy love unknown. Has broken every barrier down. Now to be Thine, yea, Thine alone, O Lamb of God, I come! Just as I am of that free love. The breadth, length, depth, and height to prove. Here for a season, then above, O Lamb of God, I come!”
Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
May God be with you,
Jay