Fourteen women of prayer, in circular formation, wondering how to lead wayward children of God from unbiblical paths to salvation. All ascertained that digging their heels in and preaching is only heard as screeching. Looking up for inspiration, they implored, “What are we called to do? God we need direction!” Our Lord answered right away. “Look down!” I heard Him say.
Fourteen pairs of shoes were the foundation of this circle. Each pair was distinct from all others. No two were the same. Neither are God’s children. Think about this. My journey is mine. Yours is yours. Each of our voyages to eternal life is unique – like none other. By design, God created each of us unlike any other. He did not manufacture, use a duplicate template or clone us. Each of us was created not as a possession to be mass molded but an original treasure to be unfolded.
Not molded but unfolded – herein might rest God’s message hidden amongst 14 pairs of shoes. Could it be, every child of God’s journey travels their own path; and ours is not the power to choose or change their trail? In other words, our shoes don’t fit another’s feet. Might, also, be that God is not expecting us to force others to walk in our shoes.
So what are we supposed to do? Not care about others; give up; don’t even try in the first place? No, not at all, we are called to share the one pathway God duplicated in each of us – our hearts.
Lest we overestimate our ability and underestimate God’s power, let us confirm, and reaffirm, God is the only force strong enough to change one’s condemning ways. Our calling is to show and share God’s love. Then, leave to God the path that can lead His wayward children from straying and into the direction of seeing and feeling His goodness – over being bombarded by their badness.
Simply stated, our commission is to bring others (both those found and lost) to God. Then God, not us, will re-chart their course and bring them home to heaven. Too often, we amplify and over initiate our ability and calling. The miracle of salvation is not ours, but God’s. Our mission is to open our hearts to all (even before they have been showered in baptismal cleansing), reflect God’s all-embracing love, confirm God’s grace is given all who need and ask, then walk beside and lead to the foot of the cross. Once we’ve shared this leg with another’s journey, God’s arms solely (and “soul”y) carry the transformation from being lost to finally found.
Neither the weight of our evil world nor the weight of actually saving others rest upon our shoulders. Though each weighs on our hearts, and as a Christian rightfully so, our capability is only to lead others to our Father, Son and Holy Ghost – knowing our Triune God’s ability, alone, can convict, cleanse and change one’s journey from on the road to hell to destined for heaven.
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!
Praise God the Father who’s the sower;
Praise God the Son who’s the course;
Praise God the Spirit who’s the flow;
Praise God, our portion here below!
(By Rev. Thomas Ken)
Uplifted in a Broken Down World 