Monday, November 3, 2014

Romans 8:38-39 for my life

My childhood was chaotic and messy - nothing will ever be able to separate me from the love of God

I was separated from my mother when I was five years old, my dad was an alcoholic - nothing will ever be able to separate me from the love of God

I was separated from my sister when she was 5 years old - nothing will ever be able to separate me from the love of God

My brother and I spent our childhood living with various aunt's, grandparents and foster parents, finally spending our high school years in a children's home - nothing will ever be able to separate me from the love of God

I was told just before high school graduation that I was not smart enough for college - nothing will ever be able to separate me from the love of God

I was told by a military shrink that I had an immature personality with little likelihood for improvement - nothing will ever be able to separate me from the love of God

After leaving the Air Force I lived in the desert, sleeping under the cactus with all the associated desert critters - nothing will ever be able to separate me from the love of God

Drunk, I ran off the side of the road and almost over-turned - nothing will ever be able to separate me from the love of God

I spent time in a county lock-up,for failing to appear in court - nothing will ever be able to separate me from the love of God

I tore the ligaments in my knee, had surgery and got fired from my job as a result - nothing will ever be able to separate me from the love of God

I lost three really good jobs because the companies decided to close down or move out of state - nothing will ever be able to separate me from the love of God

Still in my twenties I filed for bankruptcy - nothing will ever be able to separate me from the love of God

I turned my back and walked away from ministry due to personal failures on my part - nothing will ever be able to separate me from the love of God

I lost my first marriage after 23 years - nothing will ever be able to separate me from the love of God

Admittedly, my life has not been filled with tragedy and desperation. I have not had to deal with addiction, I have not been in major trouble with the law.  I have not been in prison, I have not faced major medical issues. Still, I have had enough going on in my life that some might forgive me if I was a messed up, irresponsible adult, even at 68.  Instead, my life is full. I have a wonderful wife, four fantastic kids (my son Charles is waiting in heaven), sixteen grandkids and six great-grandchildren. I am healthy, have a nice home and all the 'stuff' I could want and am retired.

All of this because a man carried a heavy cross up a steep hill and allowed Himself to be crucified on it.  This man, Jesus, was no ordinary man, He was in fact the Son of God in human form.  And because He loved me that much nothing in my past can change who I am today, a grateful disciple of Jesus. And, nothing will ever be able to separate me from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

















This is The Chaotic Christian

This is The Chaotic Christian