Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation--an aroma redolent with life.
But those on the way to destruction treat us more like the stench from a rotting corpse.
We as Christians who carry the Name of our Lord must remember that we exude a fragrance. This scent is exquisite, sweet, and redolent with life to those who are chosen of God, even if they haven't turned to Him yet.
But the same scent is perceived completely differently by those who have determined their course against God. It is a stench of death. Because that is where they are heading, if God does not grant them repentance.
I believe there is hope for everyone who has breath. God works a miracle every time He saves anyone, so who am I to give up on someone who is still breathing and making choices, even if they have no more short-term memory (like my mother-in-law), or if they are railing against God's ways as Saul of Tarsis was.
God has been called the "Hound of Heaven" for His tracking down His lost sheep, even to mountain crags and brambles.
O my Father, I pray for my loved ones. And I pray for all Your wayward ones, who have yet to be found by you. And I pray for the little ones who are surrounded by evil, but loved by You.
When I see no way, Father, You have a way. When I see no possibilities, You know Your plans. I only see where I am today, You see all things from eternity past through to eternity future. I must trust You, Father; You have repeatedly shown Yourself to be faithful and true and compassionate and just and persistent. You know the end from the beginning, and I am still in the middle of it all.
I know we are all in Your hands: Your strong, protective, soft, firm, ready hands. Hands that will never let go.
And, Father, I will not stop praying for my loved ones who have yet to turn to You. I know that they know Your Truth, even if they choose not to believe You; please hound them. They can push me away, but they cannot push You away.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
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