Rebel with a Cause: He Ran Toward Me
Tuesday, August 15, 2023
Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org
Today's Scripture
“So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him." Luke 15:20 NLT; suggested reading Luke 15:11-32
Thoughts for Today
Tammy continues her story of moving from homosexuality to holiness: "I distinctly remember the prayer I prayed the day I decided to leave everything that made me feel secure and follow Jesus. I looked up into the brilliant blue sky, and though confusion still clouded my mind, I made a commitment to follow Christ—totally.
"My 'gayness' had defined me for over eight years. When I first entered the 'gay world,' I was ecstatically happy. I felt as though I had finally come home. I found a deep sense of belonging and a family of friends who embraced me and my homosexuality." Tammy goes on to explain she had several fulfilling relationships and eventually found the one she thought was the love of her life. But all the relationships ended—some sooner and some later—and she would find herself alone again. When the depression subsided, she resumed the familiar cycle of parties and dating and began looking for someone new.
"Early one morning after I left a bar, I was confronted with the irony of my life and the life of a friend who was dying of AIDS. In different ways, both of us were in a struggle to stay alive and both of us were looking for the 'love of our life.' I called out to God on his behalf and then I called out for myself. As I began to pray, it was as if a dam broke in my heart. I confessed my sins but told God I could not change who I was so he should not get his hopes up. I needed him, but I was not going to pretend to be something I was not. I promised to do two things: read the Bible and attend church once a week.
Though it was a small step toward God, he—like the father in the story of the prodigal in Luke 15:11-32—ran toward me.
Consider this …
Have you been looking in the wrong places for love and security? Like Tammy, it may be a same-sex relationship. But it could be something else. An adulterous relationship. A power job. Money. Popularity. Approval of others. The list is endless. And if you are trusting in anything or anyone other than Jesus for complete and lasting love and security . . . in the end you will be disappointed.
No matter what you've done . . . no matter how far you are from God . . . if you will turn to him with an open heart, he will run toward you.
Prayer
Father, please forgive my sins. I'm ready to trust you. I'm willing to change but I need your help. Help me become all you want me to be. In Jesus' name . . .
These thoughts were drawn from … Lessons Learned: Moving from Homosexuality to Holiness by Tammy Webb-Witholt. This group study offers biblical tools, along with an abundance of hope, to anyone struggling with homosexuality. It is also a great group for anyone desiring a deeper walk with God. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study.
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