Homeless

I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. – John 10:28 ESV

He shuffles next to the idling vehicles at the red light, dragging one leg in a noticeable limp, weaving in and out of the traffic. He grips a paper cup and displays it prominently so his purpose is clear. His hands shake. Is it the cold wind or something more?

I see him here almost every time I travel this way. I watch his face light up when drivers drop coins into his cup. His smile and thank yous are accompanied by a “God bless.”

Is he homeless? Is he one of those who lies on a piece of cardboard and curls up in the shelter of a doorway for a night’s rest? What is his story? How did he get here? While his lips speak of God, does he know that God loves him? Does he know that God cares? My neighbour, made in God’s image, just like me – does he know that Jesus died for him? Died to save him?

Slush and salty water spray his tattered jeans as cars move through the intersection; travellers happy to be on their way; possibly returning from a church where their spirits were uplifted and their hearts reminded of how much our Father cares. The cup holders in their vehicles are empty of loose coins these days. COVID has forced us into a cashless economy. Eyes face forward. Is it to focus on navigating or to avoid seeing the need on his weathered face? What’s to become of him? Do they care that one of our own has fallen to such a low point that begging at an intersection is his vocation?

If we have no cash, do we at least whisper a prayer for his precious life? For his precious soul?

Spiritually Homeless

Many people have a warm place of shelter to live but remain “homeless”. Spiritually, they are drifting, searching for something to fill them and give them comfort. But God waits with the welcome mat out and His arms open wide, ready to welcome them; to welcome you. Our home is in Him; in our relationship with God. It’s a place where we can be ourselves; where we rest; where we feel love and happiness and support; where we feel secure.

Jesus promises us that no one will snatch us out of His hand. When we invite Him into our lives and commit our future to Him, we are part of His family. We can have confidence that our Father will take care of everything in our earthly home, and He even promises eternal life with Him when our time here is done.

Read Matthew 6:26-34. God takes care of the birds and the flowers. We need not worry – we are His most treasured creation! He’s in control and promises to supply our needs. (Philippians 4:9)

Do you feel secure and confident in your Father’s love? Does it feel like home? He longs for you to lean into Him and get to know Him better. You are His child; part of His family. He invites you to rest in His arms: HOME.

Prayer

Father, I thank you for my physical home and my spiritual home. You provide shelter from inclement weather and protection from danger. Your unconditional love for me is the heat source that warms me from the inside out. You give me both food for my table and nourishment for my soul. As I look through the windows from my place of comfort, help me to see my neighbours who do not know you. What can I do to show your love to them? Use me to help them find their way home too.

 For more blog posts like this and a link to a free prayer/meditation series, I invite you to visit Val’s Stage at valsstage.com.