The Church of the Holy Sepulcher is a highlight of any tour of the Holy Lands. It is a huge and beautiful church that encompasses the place where Jesus was crucified, buried and rose from the grave. Several tour groups are inside the church at a time. Shoulder to shoulder, inching along, I listened to the guide on the little radio and did not know when I began to follow the wrong group. Then I heard my name from the other side of the church. I had been lost and didn’t know it, but God was looking out for me. “I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them” (Isaiah 42:16). This experience proves to me that God is always with me, leading me along His paths, protecting me.
God’s Purpose for the Lost
God has always intended to bring His light and His presence into our lives. “He demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). There was a time in my life when I chose my own self-indulgent ways over God’s ways. I didn’t think I was lost, but my ways led me to a place of loneliness and despair. I didn’t know how to fix my situation and was ready to give up, but I knew enough to cry out to God. He was faithful to me even when I had been unfaithful to Him.
Friend, if you feel angry, confused, anxious or desperate, it is not too late to call out to God for help. He will meet you at your greatest point of need, the need to know Him. You can experience His amazing love and presence. He loves you and does not want you to feel afraid or defeated. I hope you call on Him today. He never sleeps or slumbers. He is always available and ready to help you in your time of need.
Prayer
Holy Father, I pray that you rescue people in their dark situations, their times of trouble, whatever they are. I pray they come to know your love and your presence with them. I pray they come to know you in a personal way. In Jesus’ powerful and precious name, Amen.
A Closer Walk with God 