Today, I have reached a milestone that I never thought I would reach, nor did I have any right to expect to have reached it, given my proclivity to not see all the repercussions my decisions might release and the downright recklessness of my actions. I survived because when I was young and dumb, my LORD was Faithful, Loving, Patient and oh so Forgiving. My God pulled my unworthy carcass from the fire more times than I am comfortable with. It is what he does for those whom He loves. There, before the Grace of God go I.
As I have grown older and somewhat wiser (I hope). I certainly would like to imagine that I have matured along the way. My story has been remarkable and, at times nearly unbelievable. I have known self-invoked darkness, and despair and have taken up residence there. The Prince of this World was surely overjoyed to find an easy target for his machinations. God saw my heart and always, even in the depths of my darkness, answered my Prayers. He never gave up on me. Not His nature. He had claimed His own. There but for the Grace of God…
I recently discovered this note to declare my seventieth birthday. It was tucked away in a file on my laptop. I had not even shared it with my wife. As you can tell, the faithfulness of our God has struck me. I am rich beyond measure. Not in terms of gold and silver. I have neither the pot nor the window through which to toss its contents. These are trying times for many. I am not alone in my hardships. I am never alone. My God has shown me favor.
My faith has grown as my days have piled up. I am trying to answer a higher calling. Christ Jesus beckons me. Daily, I try to wear the mantle of Christianity, visible for all to see. I have never met a soap box upon which I would not stand. I pray that I am doing the things that The Eleven were told to do by Christ in the Great Commission.
16” Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:16-20 ESV
I am imperfect and I fail Him all the time. But His nature is always to have mercy. By His mercy and grace (and no short measure of patience) Jesus continues to inspire me to service. Thankfully – I don’t know anything about keeping a low profile. At 6’3”, I pretty much stand out in a crowd. Maybe being visible is one of my strongest assets. Therefore, wearing my Christianity for the world to see has the potential to inspire others on some level. If I can pique someone’s interest from a distance, I have a better chance of sharing what I believe is a powerful witness. I am called. I must answer.
I have been away from my soapbox for far too long. I have the voice to speak. God and the Holy Spirit have given me that gift. I hope you will find something here to call you to return. I further hope that you can find the Christian charity to overlook my absence.
Let us pray.
Abba, Father, we give you thanks and praise for Your whole Creation. We are especially thankful for your faithfulness and unconditional love. Inspire us to serve you with gladness. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen
