"What God Did"

We went to try and help him,

With his addictions strong,

I was asked to quietly pray,

That’s why I came along.

And as the others talked to him,

And asked him then to go,

They had a place for him lined up,

But all he said was no.

I saw a picture lying there,

Behind a broken glass,

A young girl there was smiling,

I couldn’t let it pass.

Who is she, I asked him,

I meant is she your kin,

He said she’s my daughter,

And suddenly right then,

I knew that God was in this,

I said I prayed with her,

It’s only been a couple months,

And this your heart should stir,

She asked prayer for her father,

Addicted and strung out,

And here is all the help you need,

That’s what this is all about.

A daughter who still loves you,

And wants you to get well,

Praying God will set you free,

From all your living hell.

And thank the Lord he listened,

He started on that day,

To find a life of sanity,

A sober, brand new way.

He lived a decade longer,

And then God took him home,

But I will not forget that day,

He stood there all alone,

Looking at a picture,

With tears upon his face,

And feeling God’s strong presence,

Beside him in that place.

Coincidence?  Don’t think so,

Just far too high the odds,

That connection so unlikely,

No, this idea was God’s.

And if we’ll only trust Him,

We’ll get to be a part,

Of others He is changing,

Down deep within their hearts.

A girl regained a father,

A father found his way,

And no, I never will forget,

What God did on that day.

“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there…” (Galatians 5:24, NLT)

Following Jesus means we die to our selfishness and all its manifestations. Every addiction, sinful habit, obsession, spiritual stronghold, unhealed hurt, ungodly reaction, and problem area of our lives needs to be given over to Jesus. This does not mean that everything will be changed instantaneously. But we make powerful, quantum leaps of faith when we surrender. And choosing to die to our selfish egotism is the way to receive the grace for a whole, new life. But it’s a way of dying before it can be a way of living. One thing is certain: on the other side of every surrender is relieving, empowering grace and so worth any sacrifice we are called to make.

Lord, help us die to our selfishness, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Michael Dudash, used by permission. Thanks, Michael, and God bless you.