This Night...

This night as I sink tired, yet comfortably, into bed I am overwhelmed by all those whose place of rest is so uncomfortable.

This night some sleep too hot, so hot it takes your breath away. Yet others sleep too cold. Some too dry, their bodies parched for clean refreshing water. Others too wet, the rain soaks their roof and walls and beds...takes away their comfort and threatens their safety. But their exhaustion drives them to sleep...but I imagine it's a fitful sleep. Sound sleep interrupted by questions of safety and wondering...wondering what tomorrow will bring and what will fill the empty bellies of the children.

So this night, overwhelmed with gratefulness for my safe and comfortable bed, I am reminded of my need for mercy. Why I have the safety and the comfort I do not know.

I am also overwhelmed with gratefulness that my acceptance by Creator God is based not on my work or my righteousness, but on the perfect righteousness of Christ. His perfect, saving, redeeming sacrifice.

So while I rest in being a child of the most high God through faith in Jesus Christ and nothing more, I am reminded of His words, "to whom much is given, much more will be required."

So this night I find myself sinking into my safe, comfortable bed begging that HE will allow me to be spent on behalf of those who are hurting - that they may know His redemption, not only in their hearts but in their lives.

Lord Jesus, have mercy.