Have you ever tried to talk to someone and talk and talk only to have them remain intractable, unreachable and further entrenched in their wrong position?Have you ever tried, unsuccessfully, to appeal, to soothe, to entreat and to implore, all to no avail? Have you known that your heart has remained loving and faithful to them, desirous of seeing the best for them and those in their care, only to be rebuffed and rejected?
Moses was in this position as were David and Joseph and many of our biblical heroes. Moses was not satisfying his own desires by going again and again to Pharaoh, any more than it gave David some kind of pleasure to return to the murderous and jealous Saul. Nevertheless, back they went, again and again.
God's mercy extends to the sinner, to the stubborn person, to the person unwilling to change. His mercy extends towards those who cannot hear, to those who will not hear, and to those whose mind and heart are so darkened that they may think they hear, but do not. His mercy extends to your family members, friends, life mates, stubborn boss, and others in your sphere.
However, the day finally comes when God says, in effect, "Enough. Now stand still, stop speaking, and watch me work." We are called to be faithful and to express truth and sometimes awarning. But the day will come when no more words can be said, and at that time we must stand still and hold our peace.
What an awesome day that is! Our metaphorical Red Sea will split apart and we will walk, as it were, to the other side and to freedom. Count on it. You will not be enslaved to this particular problem or person forever. Look, over the horizon. There it comes, your deliverance, and with it, freedom and hope.
- 2 APRIL -