Many of us in the High School ministry have been going the the evangelism series called “The Way of the Master”. We have been learning how to share our faith by using the law and the commandments to help lost see that they are sinners in need of a saviour. In an attempt to open their eyes to the fact that they are not a good person; one of the questions we ask in the process is “have you ever stolen anything”. Well, had my wife and I arrived home from Christmas shopping just a bit earlier last night, I could of asked the people that were inside my house that very question. They would have had to answer a definite “yes”. You see; they were burglars in the process of robbing our home.
When we pulled into our garage, we noticed that the door going into the house had been kicked in. We also noticed a van parked across the street which pulled away while we were in the garage. We went around the house and entered through the front door, went into our bedroom and found our belonging strewn all over the place. At that point it occurred to us that the robbers could still be inside the house - so we went back outside and called the police. When they arrived, they checked the house for “bad guys” - and when all was clear, we went in to survey the damage. These folks obviously knew what they were doing - the police said that thieves are usually looking for electronics and guns; and since we have no guns, they took most of our electronics. (TV’s, camera’s, cam corder, lap top, etc.) They even took our sheep skin rug and a pillow case!
I must admit that last night, I was pretty angry - I felt violated. I felt “unsafe”. In times like these it takes awhile to process what’s happening in light of who I am in Christ. I know that God is the God of the living and the dead - which is basically everything. I know that he allows everything in my life (especially adversity) in order to form his image in me, and in some way glorify himself and further his kingdom. As the police were searching our home, Kim and I were praying these very things to the Lord - along with praying for those who had done this to us. But it wasn’t until this morning that I could really come to terms with it and act in faith. This morning, after coming before the Lord and truly acknowledging him as my LORD in all things - that He alone is my safety, my strong tower and shield, my provider, my comfort, and my only source of joy - only then I was able to truly thank him for what had happened and forgive those that had stolen from us. I am a child of the King, and nothing happens to me that my heavenly Father does not allow. Among all that he is doing through this situation, I know that first and foremost he is using it to draw me to himself so that he might have more of my life. I have so much to praise him for - this situation could have easily escalated from burglary to something much worse had we actually walked in on the thieves in the act. God allowed me to be a testimony of his grace to the officers that were there last night, and I will be able to follow up with some form of “thank you” for all their help. Who knows what opportunities lie ahead to share our faith with insurance adjusters, contractors, home security companies, etc. God is good and his mercy endures forever - this is nothing more than “light affliction” as Paul called it; a small inconvenience so that Jesus can increase in us. Praise God!
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