It was an unexpected reunion.
At the timing You chose, Lord. Because You caused us to cross paths again. Literally. Right there on the street. A brother and sister-in-Christ. Forever Family.
We love each other dearly. Yet… we now walk separate paths. I used to sit under his teaching. Until I began to feel… uneasy. I truly believe it was You, Lord, warning me that something was not quite right.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s Will is — His good, pleasing and perfect Will.” (Romans 12:2)
We had talked and prayed together many times. For years, in fact. When he first stepped onto this new path… and later, when he began to run down it with abandon. There finally came a day when I believe You said it was time for me to leave.
“As God has said: ‘I will live among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.’ Therefore, ‘Come out from them and be separate,’ says the Lord. ‘Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.'” (2 Corinthians 6:16-17)
I thought we would just catch up. But he jumped immediately into The Issue again. Grieving our separation. Clearly wanting to convince me that I was wrong.
We can’t both be right. Maybe we’re both wrong. I know we are each seeking You, Lord. Loving You. Wanting to know Truth and to speak it with Love. Differing in our understanding of what Truth is… and even what Love means.
One day, You will answer every question.
“Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” (1 Corinthians 13:12)
Meanwhile, I am comforted to know we can get it wrong… and never lose Your love.
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39)
I, too, grieve our separation. And I grieve for those who may be hindered… by what I believe are lies my brother has come to believe and teach. But You won’t let that happen… will You, Lord?
I, too, once believed all kinds of lies. But You spoke through them in ways only You could… when I was ready to hear.
“I am the Good Shepherd; I know My sheep and My sheep know me… They too will listen to My Voice…” (John 10:14,16)
For now, I lift us both to You, Lord. Both indebted to You forever because of Your unfailing Grace. Both still learning to love like You do.
“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.” (Romans 13:8)
Leaning in,
Abba’s Girl