Into the Fire

Need. Physical, emotional, spiritual. Pain, pain, and pain. At times need shows up in a vast array of pain.

We've all had our share, some much more than others. And we do experience all kinds. Some would be quick to denounce "spiritual" pain, but those of us who know Jesus do not dispute there can be enormous, overwhelming spiritual pain. At times.

I know in my own life most of my emotional and spiritual pain I have caused myself. Certainly not all of it but the majority. I've made innumerable wrong decisions before and after Christ and suffered the consequences. Yet I've been mercifully spared from many consequences due only to God's grace. Many times He's much too kind. Others, I will admit, it seems He's piling on. There's a purpose in all of it, though many fail to see it and refuse to look for it.

Need is ever-present if we're honest. Though small needs might outweigh larger needs in some lives, there will always be those whose list of needs is beyond our scope to imagine. Great and mammoth compared to ours.

I posted this picture today because I thought someone might "need" it. To look at the magnitude of brilliance our God possesses. How's He's capable of illustrating sunrises and sunsets morning after evening after morning. To remind us of day's ending after day's beginnings. And that life on earth is on the wane. But the big Life awaits. If we desire it, if we want it.

Because we all need it. Desperately.

Father, we are all desperate for you. Everyday, all the time. Thank you for always being here where we are. In our weakness you are made strong. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.