Nothing can separate you from the love of God

This farmer’s horse ran away. (His neighbor said it was bad luck.)

Then two days later, the horse returned with 20 more horses—Mustangs, beautiful horses galloping into the corral. (The neighbor hurried over, and said it was good luck.)

The son checked out the new horses—but one Mustang kicked at him, breaking his leg. (The same neighbor hurried over with soup for the son and told the farmer he had the worst luck.)

A few days later, a gang of sorts, men on the run—ready to recruit young men to join forces with them showed up at the farm. After showering, devouring all the food, and stirring up a ruckus, they decided they didn’t want the farmer’s son, he was worthless with a broken. (The neighbor rushed over, and said, “Its amazingly, good luck that your boy was hurt.)

In the above series of episodes, just like the farmer, we don’t know what lies ahead. We don’t know if life will run away with our dreams. Or if that which was lost will return in a moment where sorrow gets replaced with joy. And we have no way of knowing if a blow to our heart or our family will bring blessings down the road. Or if we’ll truly understand the journey this side of heaven, because the bumps and bruises and the beauty are painted on the landscape of life—in images and snapshots beyond our understanding—at times.

May we remember that the majesty of God is with us during each step of the day. He’s navigating our walk, well, on some days, even our limp. Yes, the day may come with lost horses, broken pieces, runaway moments—but watch for God’s grace in the meadow of life. Watch for the return of the beauty for ashes and stand firm when life comes at you like a fierce stampede.

Take heart and rise up and experience all God created you to see—all that He set before you to be a part of—that you might honor the Lord in your own run through the land. That you would harness the power of hope He’s placing inside you.

Because one day everything can seem lost. Then the next day we regret how we felt about yesterday. Then another incident hits, knocking us down. We’re broken, afraid, ready to give up, so we reach for the hand of our Lord. And He lifts us out of the pit.

(We can’t stand without God’s help. But remember we only stand up on the good days because of God, too.)

So could it be we’re fickle like the farmer’s neighbor?

But you say, we’re surrounded by evil—it’s forcing me to worry, to wonder, to questions life. And as real as those situations are and even as hard as they force their way into your world, I pray you take note: God will be with you. God does love you. He is for you.

And yes, your leg might still be broken, but nothing can separate you from the love of God. No horse. No kick in the leg. No gang. No reports from your neighbor. No lost dreams.

“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:28-39)

Look to God. Not your neighbor. Again, look to God. Not your horses. One more time, look to God. Not your broken pieces. Not your circumstances.

Instead, remember Christ holds your tears and your fears. And He gives you Himself even as the horse kicks at you, even when evil surrounds you. Even when the pain breaks at your entire being. Even when you are afraid of what tomorrow holds.

Friend, you belong to God. Stand. Rise up. And go—mirror Christ, not the world. Our merciful Christ is pouring His loving kindness over you. And if you need to limp, go in the power and grace you have—and ride toward His light and honor God.

Tell someone what the Lord has done, not what the worlds is doing to you. Share your testimony of God’s goodness. How He rescued you from your past and your sin. On your bad days and good. How He gave you strength to stand, no matter what your neighbor might say.