With my son being held in India, it was a couple of rough days. When he was told by the Embassy that they could not issue an exit visa until he had a ticket, I felt discouraged. When he was able to secure his ticket, I was so grateful.
He was going into the Embassy at a particular time so I thought we would hear something within a short time. I decided that I did not want to go to bed until I heard from him. I knew what time his appointment was so as the hours passed I started to get worried.
It was past midnight, as I was agonizing with God in tears. I knew that the Lord had a plan but I was struggling with wanting to know that plan. I had already almost lost him from illness in India, so now what was He doing? It was probably about thirty minutes after I started to really agonize with God, that I received a message from my son saying he had secured the exit visa.
My son was questioned for several hours. They wanted to know what he was doing in India. He had to answer all the questions very carefully; otherwise he could have ended up in prison. I was so grateful, to the Lord, for helping him through the situation. After paying a fine he was finally able to secure his exit visa. And I was finally able to go to bed and get some sleep.
Now, as of yesterday, we were able to pick up our son from the airport. I watched anxiously, as the people were coming through the gate, for my son. And when I saw him what a joy I had in my heart. I believe my son was relieved, in his heart, that he was finally home.
This made me think of the Christian walk. We are living in the time of the judgment and God is our judge. Our lives are being “questioned”. “Why are we in this country?” “How are you living?” What people are you involved with?” “What kinds of things are we allowing into our lives?” What are we sharing with others?” etc.
I can picture Jesus, as He is agonizing over His children, in prayer. Pleading with His Father for us, as we come to Him with repentance. He is interceding for us so that we can get out of this country, where we are foreigners.
Jesus has given us the Holy Spirit. “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” Romans 8:26
And Jesus “is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:25
My experience with my son made me realize how Jesus longs for us to be home. He is agonizing over us. He wants us to choose Him so that He can be with us again. He loves us so deeply. He wants us to succeed and win the battles that we have here in this foreign land. He is there for us to reach out to for help. He is interceding for us. Are we willing to accept the conditions to leave this country so we can go home? Are we willing to pay the “fine”?
You might be asking the question, “I thought salvation was a free gift?” You are absolutely right. But there is also a “fine” to pay. To some it is a very high price to pay. The question is “Do you want to get out of this foreign land? “Do you want to secure and exit visa?” I do want to get out of this country. But I can say I struggle with the price at times. So what is the price? The price is full surrender to God, giving God full control of our lives. This price, for some people, is too high and they choose to stay in the prison of this world. Is the price worth it for you?
Dear Father,
Give us the courage and the strength to surrender all, because even in surrendering we need Your help and strength. Thank You for loving us and for agonizing over us. Help us to realize the pain that we cause You every time we choose the “prison” of this world. Thank You for Your grace and that it is sufficient for us.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Jesus is longing to greet us with open arms. He wants to transport us from this country to our home. He wants to wrap His arms around us and welcome us. He will be so relieved when we arrive. I know that each of us will also be relieved to have finally made it to a better country.
Are you willing to pay the “fine”, surrendering all to God? I can say by experience, when I surrender all to Him, it makes life better. Does that mean all the struggles and trials go away? No. It just means that as I surrender to Him, He is able to help me through the trials. His ways are so much better than mine. But I still have my times of taking control back again but God is so loving and gentle. He knows how to get our attention. Surrender all to Him today.
Love you all.
Do you have an experience that God has brought you through, where you can see His hand at work? Please share I would love to hear about it.