Last month I watched in horror as hurricane Dorian decimated the Bahamas. The popular Atlantic destination was cut off and disconnected from the rest of the world like a lonestar.
I’m sure the inhabitants felt completely alone as communication with the outside world was lost for days. I’ve heard numerous stories of someone being swept out into the ocean where family and friends will likely never find them.
We’ve all experienced enough seasons in life where we felt alone and isolated, life is simply out of control. I've shared before the worst-case scenario for me is having a seizure. Words cannot describe the helplessness a person feels as their bodies fight against them until the individual eventually blacks out, but I will fear no more.
The most surprising thing to me about what happened to the Bahamas is the defiant attitude to ignore the warnings of what was coming. Despite actually seeing the size of the monster Dorian, people willingly chose to remain on the islands; they can’t say they were ready.
The islands are already pretty much isolated from any continent, about 184 miles from the Florida coast and 244 miles from Cuba, that’s seperated. Bahamians know the risks and consequences of living that far out in the ocean. And yet many chose to remain there, disconnected.
Disconnected?
The dictionary defines disconnect as, “Disjointed; broken, not coherent or seemingly irrational. In life, we are often aware of the risks and consequences of our choices. Still, we choose to take a chance and we dance around our sin with pride. We know in the pits of our souls we’re wrong.
I’ll ever forget or stop regretting the season in my life during college when I willingly walked away from God and my faith, after leaving home I thought I’m free. The women and partying only left a void in my soul instead of filling it, that’s when I sensed God pursuing me via the Holy Spirit.
Yes, it is true God never leaves us, even when we willfully disobey Him—His eyes and love are still upon His children. I can’t help but think of the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32.) Jesus says before the lost son and father are even reunited, the father is filled with love (v. 20.)
For me, that is the best part of the parable. While the son was separated from the father, he was still loved and accepted. The Bible is full of Scripture that describes this unconditional, unshakable love of God (Exodus 20:6, Psalm 52:8, 1 Corinthians 13:7, Titus 3:4-5.)
Yet, there is a disconnect. Just so you know, the basics of sin are anything that comes between us and God. These aren't just bad or shameful things, good things that God has blessed us with can be sinful, just like with Adam and Eve.
Likewise, also, their sin didn’t stop God from loving them, nor will it with us. Sin is our choice to misuse what God has given us, sin isn’t God’s doing—it’s ours, and that’s how we became disconnected. Love is the way back, that’s the purpose of the cross.
Promise Keepers CEO Ken Harrison writes in his book Rise of the Servant Kings, “If we don’t stay focused on victory, there will be consequences for our actions on earth and consequences in heaven.”
The Way Back?
Over and over in the Old Testament, we read stories about God’s people walking away from Him, after all He's done. But we also find the power of God’s forgiveness and love. Each time God gave them another chance and many blessings, they failed to listen and change their ways. It was almost as if they wanted to be disconnected from their Maker.
The truth is like our forefathers, we too want to go our way and do our thing—and we expect God to bless us when we misuse what He’s given us. This is why I’m so afraid of doing what I want in life, I’m terrified I will only waste more time when I get wicked.
Recently, I had a fellow writer friend share his struggles with holding a job and pondering his career path. I quickly reminded him of the Blackaby principal, “watch where God is working in your life and join Him.”
Jesus told His disciples that He is the vine and apart from Him we could do nothing (John 15:5)—my refuge is the way back from the disconnect!
I’m sure the inhabitants felt completely alone as communication with the outside world was lost for days. I’ve heard numerous stories of someone being swept out into the ocean where family and friends will likely never find them.
We’ve all experienced enough seasons in life where we felt alone and isolated, life is simply out of control. I've shared before the worst-case scenario for me is having a seizure. Words cannot describe the helplessness a person feels as their bodies fight against them until the individual eventually blacks out, but I will fear no more.
The most surprising thing to me about what happened to the Bahamas is the defiant attitude to ignore the warnings of what was coming. Despite actually seeing the size of the monster Dorian, people willingly chose to remain on the islands; they can’t say they were ready.
The islands are already pretty much isolated from any continent, about 184 miles from the Florida coast and 244 miles from Cuba, that’s seperated. Bahamians know the risks and consequences of living that far out in the ocean. And yet many chose to remain there, disconnected.
Disconnected?
The dictionary defines disconnect as, “Disjointed; broken, not coherent or seemingly irrational. In life, we are often aware of the risks and consequences of our choices. Still, we choose to take a chance and we dance around our sin with pride. We know in the pits of our souls we’re wrong.
I’ll ever forget or stop regretting the season in my life during college when I willingly walked away from God and my faith, after leaving home I thought I’m free. The women and partying only left a void in my soul instead of filling it, that’s when I sensed God pursuing me via the Holy Spirit.
Yes, it is true God never leaves us, even when we willfully disobey Him—His eyes and love are still upon His children. I can’t help but think of the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32.) Jesus says before the lost son and father are even reunited, the father is filled with love (v. 20.)
For me, that is the best part of the parable. While the son was separated from the father, he was still loved and accepted. The Bible is full of Scripture that describes this unconditional, unshakable love of God (Exodus 20:6, Psalm 52:8, 1 Corinthians 13:7, Titus 3:4-5.)
Yet, there is a disconnect. Just so you know, the basics of sin are anything that comes between us and God. These aren't just bad or shameful things, good things that God has blessed us with can be sinful, just like with Adam and Eve.
Likewise, also, their sin didn’t stop God from loving them, nor will it with us. Sin is our choice to misuse what God has given us, sin isn’t God’s doing—it’s ours, and that’s how we became disconnected. Love is the way back, that’s the purpose of the cross.
Promise Keepers CEO Ken Harrison writes in his book Rise of the Servant Kings, “If we don’t stay focused on victory, there will be consequences for our actions on earth and consequences in heaven.”
The Way Back?
Over and over in the Old Testament, we read stories about God’s people walking away from Him, after all He's done. But we also find the power of God’s forgiveness and love. Each time God gave them another chance and many blessings, they failed to listen and change their ways. It was almost as if they wanted to be disconnected from their Maker.
The truth is like our forefathers, we too want to go our way and do our thing—and we expect God to bless us when we misuse what He’s given us. This is why I’m so afraid of doing what I want in life, I’m terrified I will only waste more time when I get wicked.
Recently, I had a fellow writer friend share his struggles with holding a job and pondering his career path. I quickly reminded him of the Blackaby principal, “watch where God is working in your life and join Him.”
Jesus told His disciples that He is the vine and apart from Him we could do nothing (John 15:5)—my refuge is the way back from the disconnect!
There is always a "way back" Mr. Martin. Thank God, He's only seen us filthy and disgusting once in our lives. The moment before we asked His Son to come into our lives and adopt us into His family. We'll have to spiritually wash our feet through repentance many times in this life, but God sees us through the lens of Jesus once we're sealed in Him. Amen! Good post sir.
ReplyDeleteIt is comforting to know that the prodigal was still loved, even away from his father. A beautiful picture to imagine, but the reunion between the prodigal and his father is even more beautiful! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDelete