Yes, It’s Still In There!

The two angels came to Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom. When Lot saw them, he rose to meet them and bowed himself with his face to the earth and said, “My lords, please turn aside to your servant’s house and spend the night and wash your feet. Then you may rise up early and go on your way.”  Genesis 19:1-2

If Lot were your nephew, your son, or your husband, would you have given up on him?  He has made a series of foolish decisions while in a relationship with you.  The last one took him to Sodom to flirt with a culture that was hostile to your God.  You were heartsick.  Yet, two men arrived, and though danger was imminent, Lot’s courage and faith sprang into action.

He was not dead to faith even though foolish.  His sojourn into spiritually dangerous territory did not kill every righteous seed God planted in his heart. 

Time just creeps along while we’re waiting for the spiritual return of someone we love.  We envision the bleeding effects of their environment on their love for Christ.  We assume that the fidelity of their faith is wasting away.  Will they even hear God when He comes calling? 

Seeds of faith are preserved, especially when loved ones pray for the one who is no longer walking God’s path.  All is not dead in his heart although his choices beg to prove it.  The culture of lawlessness has influenced him, and by all appearances, he seems to have completely caved to its pressures.  But we underestimate a God who stirs the embers of faith in places no one can see.  He performs spiritual surgery in the subconscious while the prodigal sleeps to keep distant memories alive. While no one can guarantee his return because free choice still plays into the equation, a beautiful outcome is still on the table.  It’s possible as long as there is life and breath, as long as those who love him are engaged in the battle, on their knees.

Over whom are you crying today?  Over whom are you tempted to stop praying?  Don’t do it!  Weep, certainly, but not without hope.  God would tell you that the faith you long to see evidence of ~ is still in there.  Long ago, God sent His word into the spirit of your loved one and it is still accomplishing the purpose for which it was sent. 

Even in Sodom, you can keep the embers of faith alive.  Amen