Zoe, our English Springer, had a great time at Camp Bow Wow this past weekend while we were gone. How do we know? Their live web cam gave us privy to see her interacting with all the other doggies in their play area. I saw Zoe and about 13 other doggies roaming around making new friends. Various colors, sizes, shapes, some probably rescue dogs, other pedigrees. Some old. Some young. Some playful. Some timid. Some wondering aimlessly. Others full of energy.
Each one of these pooches, at some point, will happily get to go home to their loving owners. We will reunite with Zoe soon. When she sees us, she will go crazy with excitement! She’s back in her pack, where she is fully loved and accepted.
It reminds me of how God sees each of us. He loves and values us no matter who we are or what we’ve done. No one is too tall, too small, too fat, too thin, too old, or in too much trouble for God. God’s priority is not our family pedigree, our financial portfolio or our company title. Throughout the Bible God chose imperfect and unique people to do his divine work:
* Moses stuttered and didn’t think he could be used by God.
* Jonah ran away from God when he was called to preach.
* Timothy lacked courage.
* Joseph was hated by his brothers.
* David was an adulterer.
* Adam and Eve hid from God after they disobeyed his commands.
I find myself in good company! I often struggle to really believe I’m fully love and accepted by God because I don’t always feel it from the people around me or myself. News flash: “When we live from a deep assurance that we’re fully loved, we won’t find ourselves begging others for scraps of love. Live loved.” (Lisa TerKeurst, Uninvited Study Guide, page 10)
Zoe may have felt sad when we left her, but we were only a web cam away from seeing her and oohing and awing over her! We were looking down in fondness upon our pup and couldn’t wait to have her jump in our arms! Often, we find ourselves feeling distanced from God too. But, upon close examination, it’s very clear that we are the ones that turn away. God never does.
No matter who you are or what your status or how much you’ve messed up, God doesn’t stop pursuing you. He seeks you out of your mistakes. He calls you out of your prestigious position. He cries out for you in your deepest pit. God sent His Son, Jesus, to die for you and longs for a close relationship. He will welcome you home with open arms as part of His family!
“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give an account.” Hebrews 4:13
“Rejection never has the final say. With Jesus you are forever safe, accepted, held, loved, invited.” (Lisa TerKeurst, page 10)
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
No comments:
Post a Comment