Unfailing Love

Week 7, Friday

Amy Hood

In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you. Psalm 33:21-22

She was dressed in a beautiful turquoise sari with silver trim. The color was so striking against her brown skin and black hair. As I sat in the chair next to her, I watched her weathered and worn hands shake as she began to tell me her story.

We sat in a room full of people, most of whom were talking to each other, but it was as if we were the only two people in the whole country of India. With tears filling her eyes and often spilling onto her cheeks, this woman told me what her faith had cost her. When she became a Christ follower, her husband and his family kicked her out of her home. She was forced out into the world with nothing but the clothes on her back. Her own family also disowned her.

I asked her if she had children and she said yes, two beautiful boys. She said that unless her husband became a believer, she would never be allowed to see her children again. Her eyes smiled when she talked of her boys. But while her eyes smiled, her heart was broken. She said these words to me, “I have given up everything to follow Jesus. I have given up my home, my husband, and my children because He is my Lord.” I felt as though my very breath was leaving me. This beautiful woman gave up everything to love God. She gave up her children. Let that sink into your very core for a moment. Could you do that?

Suddenly, without moving any further into the conversation, I felt an overwhelming need to confess something to her. My faith costs me nothing in comparison to hers. Quickly reviewing my life, I realized that I have no costs to count—no real costs. I have not given up my home or my children to love my Lord. This dear woman paid a high price to love her God. Would I be willing to do the same? Her hope lies solely in her Lord.

Father, help me to realize what my salvation cost You. Thank You for sending Your Son for my sins. Help me to completely sell out to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.