My wife has been gone for five days and I missed her. Yes, it was quiet at home and I got to do whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted. I wasn’t asked to change the television channel, fix her something to eat or do anything. I was alone. I ate leftovers from the fridge and could have eaten out, but stayed home. I was amazingly productive and completed several items on my Honey-do list. I transferred our insurance to a company with a lower rate. I had time to clean out the car, which was long overdue. Mowing the yard took me two hours and I filled in a hole, with dirt we had bought some time ago. I even called our neighbor, who is a widow, to see if she needed anything. I had heard she was sick, but only found the time to contact her this week.
So what did I do with the rest of my week? Actually I didn’t do much. The television was on all day, but I didn’t pay much attention. In the evenings I watched my Korean videos, but they didn’t fill the emptiness. I moped around the house cleaning up after myself. I picked up my granddaughters and took them to Church Wednesday night and that gave me some relief. I didn’t even feel like writing this story until it was almost time to pick my wife up at the airport.
What was the difference? My wife of 39 years wasn’t there! She is a big part of my life and I noticed a big hole when she was gone. Now that she is back, I won’t be as productive and will be busier, but that is fine. This is the way it is supposed to be.
That is something like I feel when I am not walking with GOD. A big part of my life is missing! It is an uncomfortable feeling and I don’t like it. Did GOD leave me? No, I was the one who strayed! JESUS said “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Heb 13:5 KJV). He was waiting for me with open arms and forgiveness.
I didn’t have to turn away from GOD, but I let my guard down. He took care of me for so long, I took GOD for granted and forgot how bad sin is. The world will pull you away until sin becomes a normal part of life. GOD “will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape” (1 Cor 10:13) but the decision is yours. You have to take the “way of escape.” He may let you suffer the consequences of your sin, but like the father of the Prodigal son, He wants you to come back.
How can you stay strong in the LORD? You must constantly renew your mind by reading the Bible and talking to GOD. JESUS said “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you” (John 15:7 KJV). GOD and His Word are one, so that is where you find more of Him. If you have the close relationship GOD desires, you won’t stray. He will help you. GOD loves you so much “he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV). GOD gave His best so you can live in victory. Stay on His side and you will win!
Wayne Lance (2018)