Learning the Hard Way

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil. – 1 Peter 3: 12

Human nature tells us to do things the way we want to. The innate desire to be first and to do things on our own never fails to come into play. We can see trouble or hardships coming, knowing we are in the line of fire, still we refuse to think anything will happen to us. Just as children tend to push the envelope on discipline, so do adults.

The world offers us nothing but temptation after temptation, and as a result, our defenses are whittled away daily. The ability to say no to the things which can bring us problems becomes harder and harder to refuse. Our destiny seems to be to learn things the hard way.

Some become so wrapped up in earthly desires that the things they have learned about righteousness fades deep into the background. Isn’t it wonderful to know we have a Father who never loses sight of us; one who always hears us, always knows what needs we have, and one who is willing to forgive us when we fail Him?

Through the many disappointments we throw at the Lord, He never gives up on us. He may turn His face away for a time, but His hand is always extended – waiting for us to reach out and take hold. God wants, more than anything, to pull us into the light of His salvation, and He is saddened when even one soul leaves this world without His gift of eternal life.

A day will come when the Father says “No more. This world has outlived its usefulness,” and He will return to take His faithful children home. Eternal life is not something we want to learn the hard way. It is something we must take hold of, prepare for, and anticipate. Are you ready? Have you taken into consideration what eternity means? Now is the time. Trust me –eternity is forever.

Prayer: Precious Father, please do not turn Your face from us. Stretch Your loving arms out that we might grasp hold.