But grow in the grace and
knowledge of our Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ...
2 Peter 3:18a
Earlier today, I was discussing with another Christian the importance of simply going on with the Lord as we also grow in the grace and knowledge of Him...
knowledge of our Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ...
2 Peter 3:18a
Earlier today, I was discussing with another Christian the importance of simply going on with the Lord as we also grow in the grace and knowledge of Him...
At present, this man is undergoing a very painful and difficult situation. His wife wants to leave him. She wants a divorce, and she has already filed paperwork with the court. They've been married for about fifteen years, in a relationship that began before his incarceration. They have two children as well. So I know his heart is crushed, and his mind is on overload. I know, too, that he thinks the situation is hopeless.
But as he and I traveled the recreation yard together, I thought to myself, "What could I possibly say to encourage him?" I don't want him to sink into despair or to give up his faith. He's only been a Christian for about six years. However, we did pray together. In an isolated part of the yard, he and I bowed our heads as we asked God for guidance and wisdom.
I told my friend about the boundless mercy of God, and I reminded him of God's compassion. I cannot imagine what he must be feeling. Clearly, his pain and anguish were visible. He certainly displayed all the signs and emotions of a broken heart, as well as a fear of possibly never seeing his children again, or at least not for many years to come. I told him, "My brother, it is okay to cry." And cry he did.
Yet I also know there can be no quick or sentimental words for matters such as this. There can be no false hope. Yes, how wonderful it would be if a few simple words could make everything peaceful and well. The truth is, my friend must walk a road of deep personal suffering. This is his Golgotha. It is his path of pain. But he is not alone. Jesus will be with him, and I reminded him of this truth many times during our walk.
I also admitted to him that I did not know if his wife would at some point change her mind. I know he wanted me to say, yes, she might. But my gut instinct told me she will not. Many a prisoner who's married eventually experiences divorce and separation. It's the unfortunate lot of many a convict. Prison oftentimes causes a marriage to come apart long before death does.
I did, however, say to him, "Brother, give this matter over to the Lord." I told him that God knows what is best. How that there are times when we have to let people or situations go while at the same time trusting in the Lord to take care of everything, and to take care of us as well. "This is where faith comes in," I said.
Then, near the end of our time together, I again urged him to trust God and to remain in God's word. I asked him to continue to go on with the Lord so that he remains on the path of spiritual growth. Really, what other choices are there? Either we walk with Jesus wherever He leads, even if it's through a furnace of affliction, or we turn our backs on Christ and walk with Him no more, thus making our lives worse off. God forbid!
D.B.
But as he and I traveled the recreation yard together, I thought to myself, "What could I possibly say to encourage him?" I don't want him to sink into despair or to give up his faith. He's only been a Christian for about six years. However, we did pray together. In an isolated part of the yard, he and I bowed our heads as we asked God for guidance and wisdom.
I told my friend about the boundless mercy of God, and I reminded him of God's compassion. I cannot imagine what he must be feeling. Clearly, his pain and anguish were visible. He certainly displayed all the signs and emotions of a broken heart, as well as a fear of possibly never seeing his children again, or at least not for many years to come. I told him, "My brother, it is okay to cry." And cry he did.
Yet I also know there can be no quick or sentimental words for matters such as this. There can be no false hope. Yes, how wonderful it would be if a few simple words could make everything peaceful and well. The truth is, my friend must walk a road of deep personal suffering. This is his Golgotha. It is his path of pain. But he is not alone. Jesus will be with him, and I reminded him of this truth many times during our walk.
I also admitted to him that I did not know if his wife would at some point change her mind. I know he wanted me to say, yes, she might. But my gut instinct told me she will not. Many a prisoner who's married eventually experiences divorce and separation. It's the unfortunate lot of many a convict. Prison oftentimes causes a marriage to come apart long before death does.
I did, however, say to him, "Brother, give this matter over to the Lord." I told him that God knows what is best. How that there are times when we have to let people or situations go while at the same time trusting in the Lord to take care of everything, and to take care of us as well. "This is where faith comes in," I said.
Then, near the end of our time together, I again urged him to trust God and to remain in God's word. I asked him to continue to go on with the Lord so that he remains on the path of spiritual growth. Really, what other choices are there? Either we walk with Jesus wherever He leads, even if it's through a furnace of affliction, or we turn our backs on Christ and walk with Him no more, thus making our lives worse off. God forbid!
D.B.
