A Matter of Faith: A prayer of redeeming love

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By Sami Fortin

PREVIEW Columnist

I remember the song “I Love How You Love Me” (Bobby Vinton). I’d like to make a new song and count the ways He loves us. Ephesians 1:18 tells us He wants us to be fully capable of comprehending with all the saints the width and length and height and depth of His love (fully experiencing that amazing, endless love) and to understand His all-encompassing ability to love us right where we’re at.

The world has painted a picture of a creator who either is cruel, killing off nations for seemingly no reason, or a god who stands from afar watching as we fall apart. Neither of these pictures are true. Our God, God Almighty, the One and Only true God, is the very essence of love, pouring out His love into our hearts so we might know Him.

He has His standards and we need to learn from Him through His written word, then we can come to understand the immensity of His compassion and desire for us to know Him and become like Him. It takes faith to start with, that stuff that has no substance but is like stepping out on a limb.

If you take a chance on believing His love for you, He is sure to prove it. It becomes a daily walk learning what He’s like and what He expects of us, which is to walk justly and in righteousness. When we receive Him into our hearts He gives us the deposit of the Holy Spirit, which enables us to follow through with the power to overcome the enemy and start living our lives for Him.

He offers us so much, right from the beginning He acts like a father and gives us good gifts, puts a shield of protection around us and provides for all our needs. He never promises us that our walk will be easy. He wants us walking through the fire, believing He’s with us all the way to the other side. See, His love covers us in a way that no other can. He saves us from certain death and destruction.

Those who choose not to walk with Him have a different ending than those who obey. Just like wayward children, we all choose to walk away, expecting things to go well with us, all on our own.

He didn’t make us like that. He loves us so much that He’s made us incapable of doing what’s right without Him. Once we repent of our sin knowing for sure we aren’t able to save ourselves, He takes us out of the pit, the miry clay and sets our feet on the solid rock that’s sure and steady.

He paid for us when He willingly and obediently went to the cross. He has already redeemed us and now he waits patiently for us to turn to Him. Colossians 1:13: “For He has rescued us and has drawn us to Himself from the dominion of darkness, and has transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption (because of His sacrifice resulting in) the forgiveness of our sins ( the cancellation of sins’ penalty).”

He promises peace, patience and an abundance of joy, and a spirit of power, love and self-control. Of all these gifts, which one are you lacking? Won’t you come to the Father and ask Him to take your heart, wash it clean and give you a new spirit that is ready to worship Him? Our weakness is all we have to bring.

Lord, help us to choose really living more than just being alive. Surround your children with people that will draw them to you. Break the chains of the enemy and make a way for millions of people to come to know you, your forgiveness and your amazing love that paid for our sin and offers us a new way to live. Make them free from bondage and the curse of death. Set a fire in their hearts to serve you and create heavenly kingdoms in their homes, schools, churches and businesses. In Jesus’ mighty name, amen.

This column includes both fiction and nonfiction, and views expressed do not necessarily represent those of The SUN. Submissions can be sent to editor@pagosasun.com.