Songs In The Night

9 I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit— ² that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. – Romans 9:1-2

Great Sorrow

Death has left a great furrow in our family. A furrow that with the passing of time began to close and in my opinion “heal”. But apparently, the ground needed to be broken again. Unexpectedly, death has once again brought out the plow and deepened the “healing” furrows. As painful as the first plowing was, the second is much more so. Old wounds have been reopened. Old memories are being relived.

Does the preparation of the soil for the planting of the seed need to be so painful? How much sorrow can we carry? How long can we endure unceasing anguish? We go to bed crying and wake up crying. But I am not alone.

I have often struggled with Paul’s heart-cry recorded in Romans chapter nine. Not so much his honesty about his sorrow, but his proposed solution. Would he really sacrifice his salvation to see his fellow Israelites saved? Did he really love his people to such a depth that he would be willing to surrender the pearl of great price (Matthew 13:46) for them?

Great Love

Over the last few days, we have not only shed a lot of tears but we have also petitioned the Throne with countless prayers. We have prayed that Isaiah’s little heart would again beat. We have prayed that his little feet would once again kick. We don’t mean to be selfish when we pray these prayers, we just believe that life is a precious gift from God and our hearts want to show the love of God to little Isaiah.

As I listened to the desperate pleas, I found myself echoing the sentiment of Paul that I so often struggled with. I “bargained” with God to take my life so Isaiah could live. To stop my heart so Isaiah’s could start. I would gladly exchange my life so my grandson could live. Such is the love of a parent. Such is the love my daughter and her husband want to shower on children of their own.

If we are honest with ourselves, we would probably have to admit that few of us have a love as selfless as Paul’s. And yet if we did, it would only be a stepping stone on the journey to the love of Christ. Yet, despite our shortcomings, the Church is to be recognized by it’s love and unity. And the enemy knows this.

Great Attacks

When we experience trials and tragedies, we hear so many people question why? Why do bad things happen to good people? As I have been wrestling with God the last few days, He began to open my eyes to something I think I have overlooked. And my guess is I am not alone.

I believe my daughter and her husband have a capacity to love that is very great. As I have shared with them, this capacity comes with a great risk. Those that love deeply can be hurt deeply. We must never shelter our hearts from love because of fear of being hurt. But I believe there is another risk.

Is it possible that bad things happen to “good” people because the enemy sees them as the greatest threat? Isaiah is safe in the presence of his Heavenly Father who is showering him with a love we could never touch. Isaiah is safe, but I believe the faith of his parents is being attacked.

Living Hedge

In the first chapter of Job, Satan accuses God of protecting Job with a hedge around him and his household. Imagine the great liar and deceiver basically accusing God of cheating to protect His own. As humorous as the charge may sound, the necessity is a real one. After all, there is a reason we are commanded to put on the armor of God.

In a day and age when other barriers were inefficient or ineffective, hedges were made of thorn bushes too dense and sharp to be penetrated and too deep to be jumped over. When we pray for a hedge of protection, this is an illustration of what we are praying for.

As I wrestled with God this morning, He challenged me to make a living hedge for my family. A living prayer chain to gather around my daughter’s home. One that would reciprocate their love and encourage their faith. But that is just part of the story.

Love and Unity

This past year, Satan has used a pandemic and politics to weaken the church through separation and division. Instead of love and unity we see a fractured picture of the Church as painted in the Scriptures. It is past time to put aside the differences and show the world the Love of Christ, who wore a crown of thorns to make a hedge around His children.

I am hoping to rally part of God’s army to 3075 West Mead Road beginning at 1:00 P.M. tomorrow, Saturday the 3rd. I know we can never replace baby Isaiah, but we can reflect the love of Christ.

As a weak and helpless father, I believe this will be an encouragement to a grieving family. Sort of what I call a love transfusion. But before you accuse me of being selfish, I believe that is just part of the potential.

As I have already alluded to, we are living in unprecedented times. By the grace of God, I believe this time could serve as a balm for a lot of Christians who have struggles of their own. But most importantly, I believe this will exalt the name of Jesus and bring glory to our Heavenly Father.

If you want to be a part, just bring yourself and something to sit on, and perhaps a note of encouragement. I recognize it is Easter weekend, but so many of you have asked what you can do in a tangible way. This is what God challenged me with so I am just passing it on.

God Bless all of you for your love and support thus far.

⁵ Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. – Romans 12:15

 ³⁴ A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. ³⁵ By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. – John 13:34-35