Sunday, July 8, 2012

A Heavy Heart...

My heart has been hurting for the past couple of days for a loved one. The Bible says with knowledge comes sorrow and that is very true. This friend of mine has been away from the Lord for almost a year now. This person is so near and dear to me, I would give my life for hers in a moment. I wish she didn't have to go down this path; but she has made her choices and is now living with them.

When I was informed a couple days ago of how she was choosing to live her life now, it hit me like a ton of bricks. I had hoped for so long she wasn't living that way. I had hoped it was just a phase and she would come back to the Lord soon. (Ignorance is bliss.) But ignoring the facts won't change them. My heart breaks for her. I'm thankful I know because it has challenged me to pray more fervently.

It's only by God's grace, I am not in her shoes. I am not condemning her in any way. I too have gone down the wrong path and made choices that were against God's will for my life. I am so thankful that God took the mess I made and made it into something beautiful for Him to use. And for that, I can only give God the glory. I know God can do the same thing in her life as well. I have hope!

In Christ alone, I place my trust.

It's hard to see hope in a situation sometimes. But I refuse to give up on the God of Hope and Peace. I can't imagine how much God sorrows when we stray from Him. I know my heart is heavy, but how much more does God hurt when he sees His children going through unnecessary pain. I wish I could help her choose the right path. I hate knowing how lonely and miserable she is...

I believe she would not have gone down this path if she saw where it would lead her. I believe Satan slowly pulled her in, and before she knew it, she was in over her head. Stuck in a pit she slowly dug for herself. I have been there. Trapped in my own pit. It wasn't an easy climb to get out, but my Savior took me out step by step.

" Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein; and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him." Proverbs 26:27

I can't help but think of the prodigal son. My dream and hope for her is that she too would come running home into her Father's open arms. All is forgiven!

"And he arose, and came to his father,
( this part makes me teary eyed!) But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck and kissed him. For this my son was dead, and is now alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry." Luke 15:20 & 24

If there is a loved one in your life going through what seems like a hopeless situation, may I encourage you to not lose sight of the cross of calvary. It's because of the cross, we have hope in every situation. Don't give up on your friend, but pray. Pray fervently. Pray believing. Pray without ceasing.

I believe the Lord wanted me to share this. Maybe in hopes to encourage someone. I know the Lord has lifted my heavy heart by simply writing this out and looking in the scriptures for comfort. I'm thankful I have a God who cares for me and takes my burdens upon Him.

May you have a great week this week!

From the Heart,
Amber
Isaiah 26:3,4