God Cares (Matthew 10: 29-31)
“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. And even the hairs of your head are all counted. So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.”
Like Hagar and her son Ishmael in the wilderness without water, do you feel distant from the main story, like a secondary character who is discarded by whim? Does God seem distant leaving you to chase after the rationales of your own imagination? Do you feel abandoned, living by the world’s standards under your own power? Do God’s promises seem far off instilling a sense of isolation?
You matter. What you do matters. Your individual story as a witness to Christ Jesus matters. You are unique: special in God’s eyes. Like Hagar and Ishmael, as long as you have a name, you are protected by God’s benevolence. Only you can reach those brought to you by providence. You are loved and valued.
Do you doubt? Maybe it’s time to return to the basics, the vary seat of salvation, where we start with humility, and it ends up in joy. Not that we deserve anything good, but the promise is, in our desperation, that “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10: 13). What a remarkable thing! It is not by our successes or influence, not because we somehow understand more or better, not because of stature, appearance, or ability that gains us access, that underscores our value. In our dependence, we are beloved, not because we are good, but because God is gracious. Of course, we are all created in his image; thus, we have potential. Still, our place is not contingent upon us reaching this potential. Grace and assurance are just the starting point from which God operates.
We are a bud of the promise. Infused by the Holy Spirit, we will become. But first we must just be. Take some time to simply rest in God’s care. Soak in his light and be nourished. Experience your connection to the vine as something necessary and good. Be watered by the rains of hardship, and grow. Lie in green pastures. Walk beside still waters. He is there restoring your soul.
Walk carefully the delicate paths of the forest glade. Not salvation, but fruitfulness depends on your choices. Remember, grace is not a license for misbehavior. The Christian life is a privilege, not a right. Joy comes when faithful steps produce a harvest of forty, sixty, a hundred-fold. Joy comes from the bountiful return of healthy relationships: Christian love in bloom.
Conversely, choosing sin creates doubt; a dreadful position for a minister to be in. The path becomes unclear. Our trials are faced with uncertainty. So, heed God’s soft but steady voice. He’s talking to you about something important. Don’t get lost in the miniscule details of the law: we all fall short of the glory of God. Rather, within the principle of love, try to live up to the standard in which you already stand:
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4: 4-9).
If God seems distant, stand firm and wait on the Lord. He is near. He is here, within you, in your environment and circumstance, leading you to all good things.