The Father's Love Won't Let Go - Your Nightly Prayer - September 11th

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The Father's Love Won't Let Go
Your Nightly Prayer
by Clarence Haynes Jr.

TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE

"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 8:39

SOMETHING TO PONDER

Some Olympic moments are unforgettable not because of who won but because of what we witnessed. One of those moments happened in 1992 during the Barcelona Olympics. British sprinter Derek Redmond was running in the 400-meter semifinal. About 150 meters into the race, Derek collapsed with a torn hamstring. I can’t imagine the emotional agony that went through his mind as all the hard work he poured into this event, which only happens every four years, was now for naught. Though he was in pain, Derek got up. He started hobbling forward, one painful step at a time, determined to finish what he started.

Then came the moment that turned this into one of the most powerful displays in Olympic history. His father, Jim Redmond, rushed out of the stands, pushed past security, and ran to his son. He wrapped his arms around him, and together they made their way to the finish line. The crowd was on its feet, acknowledging how special this moment was. They saw a father’s love that refused to let go. Even watching this video to this day can move you to tears.

The demonstration of love that Jim Redmond showed his son gives us a glimpse into the love that the Father has for us. God’s love is the type of love that meets you where you are. He doesn’t just wait at the finish line, cheering you on to finish your journey. Instead, he steps into the middle of your brokenness. He pushes past the pain, the mess, the moments when you feel like giving up, and he walks with you. If he must, he will even carry you to help you get to the end of your journey. He does this because there is nothing that will ever impede his love for you.
 
 Jim Redmond took a chance running onto the track and getting through security, but he did it because he saw his son in distress, and nothing was going to stop him from helping his son. The same is true of God’s love for you. There is nothing in life that you will ever go through that will keep God from loving you. In this verse in Romans, Paul mentions some things that may try to interfere and separate you from God’s love. However, try as they may, they can’t.

Neither death nor life can do it. No angel in heaven or demon in hell can do it. What happens in your present or even your future can’t do it. Neither can any power, the height of success, the depth of despair, or anything anywhere. God loves you. He will never stop loving you, and there is nothing anyone can do about it.

God’s love for you is not an emotional love that ebbs and flows. God’s love for you is an eternal choice that he has committed Himself to. Regardless of how the winds of life blow, his love will be constant and will never let you go. If you feel you’ve blown it or gone too far, you haven’t. God’s love is stronger than your past, your failures, your doubts, your feelings, or even your pride. That’s why I want to give you strong encouragement today to stop wondering if God still loves you. He does. He never stopped. You don’t have to perform for it or try to earn it. You just have to receive it.

If Derek Redmond’s father ran onto the track to help his son finish a race, how much more will your heavenly Father come running to help you finish yours? God loves you. He always has and always will, and that’s just the way it is.

YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER

Lord,
Remind me of your great love so I don’t forget. When life goes haywire or I find myself in a place of failure, let me find comfort in knowing that your love will never let me go. Help me embrace your love and recognize it is not based on a scorecard, but on your character. Tonight, I lay down my fears, my doubts, and my unfinished race, trusting that you are with me every step of the way. Help me rest in the security of your presence and wake up renewed in your love.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON

1. The circumstances of life are not evidence of God’s love; the cross is.

2. God’s love does not mean life will be easy, but he will walk you through the trials.     

3. God’s love does not desert you in life’s difficult moments; it carries you through them.

Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Zoltan Tasi

Clarence L. Haynes Jr. is a speaker, Bible teacher, and co-founder of The Bible Study Club.  He is the author of The Pursuit of Purpose which will help you understand how God leads you into his will. His most recent book is The Pursuit of Victory: How To Conquer Your Greatest Challenges and Win In Your Christian Life. This book will teach you how to put the pieces together so you can live a victorious Christian life and finally become the man or woman of God that you truly desire to be. Clarence is also committed to helping 10,000 people learn how to study the Bible and has just released his first Bible study course called Bible Study Basics. To learn more about his ministry please visit clarencehaynes.com.  

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