When you need to be saved from more than the hot place
Driving along, though in the predawn darkness, for once I’m sitting, quiet. No “good morning, Father” on silent lips. Just–tired. Dis-couraged. A bit down. Physically, not top-of-my-game.
Then He speaks.“Talk to Me. How are you feeling?”
Oh, Father. What a dad He is, in the truest sense of the word. And so I say it. “I’m not feeling well today.” Pause. “And I can’t get past this fear…I’ve lived with it all my life.” No point in prettying this up. Not with a dad that reads minds. And hearts.
And He speaks. “So because that’s all you’ve experienced, that’s how you think it is? You’re judging Me and what I can do by your experience?” This, in the kindest tone, with gentleness, mercy, love. No scolding.
Huh. Well. And wow! I think He’s right, and that’s true.
“I’m afraid I’m all locked up some place (way down inside, a blockage) and I won’t be able to get out.” After months and months of pressing in to inner healing, learning how it works, how He works, and how Christ comes to set us free, I’ve seen how deeply buried some issues are. How lies come in on the heels of pain, and how strongholds and shackles are formed. Way down. Where I can’t see until Truth comes to “inward parts.” Truth, bringing freedom, breaking chains.
“Do you believe that I can see you, see everything, and that I know where you are?”
“Well, yes. I believe that You know where I am. But I’m afraid (again with the fear) that I’m just all locked up in some deep, hidden place and I won’t be able to…”
“I.” I can’t. Me, trying. Me, failing. Me. Me. Me. Me. I.
I can almost hear Him smile. “Self-effort again?”
Caught. Again. Captured by truth wrapped gentle in love. Not trapped or beaten with shame or accusing. Spirit’s sword, Father’s heart, all with love.
And then this: “Jesus can save to the uttermost. To the very last thing; the last place.”
So we’ve trusted Him for salvation, you and I, but this morning I remember that that was just the beginning. For in the hidden parts (it’s true), we are broken; are trapped, and He comes, bringing wisdom. Bringing truth. Jesus the Christ comes, ready to save. Down to the very last place.
“The Lord your God is with you. He is mighty to save. He will rejoice over you with joy. He will quiet you with His love. He will rejoice over you with singing (Zeph. 3: 16, 17).”
Most warmly, then, I share this with you who, too, are needing to be saved,
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