Missing in Action
“38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39
The military has this term called Missing in Action. Merriam-Webster defines it as missing and unable to be confirmed as captured or killed following military action. They also use this definition: used figuratively for someone or something notably or unexpectedly missing, absent, or inactive. How many of us have been missing, absent, or inactive when it came to Jesus? I have been all three. As a matter of fact, for the last 2-3 weeks, that has been what is going on in my world.
We sometimes have the tendency to stop reading our bible, praying, and seeking out other believers when we are going through various things. God did not say in his word that we would not go through anything. It is quite the opposite. James 1:2-4 (NLT) says, “2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
I know trying to get through the troubles of life can be hard. I study the Word, and still fail daily. It is okay. Read the verse above. Nothing can separate us from God’s love. Even when we separate ourselves from God, he does not. He waits on us to come back to him. God is so patient. Us separating ourselves from him does not stop what God does for us. He continues to bless us daily. It is not because of what we do, but because of who he is.
When life hits you hard, do not go Missing in Action. I encourage you to continue reading, seeking, and believing what his word says. Repeat God’s word back to him. Let him know that you are depending on him to see you through. God loves and wants to hear from you. Please know that as I’m talking to you, I’m talking to me as well.