I recently received a call from the leader of another Mission. He was enduring a difficult time in leadership much like one I experienced not too long ago. It has really shaken him up, and I understand his pain. Not long after that call I received another call from a loved one who just didn’t know how he could carry on in this life. He’d attempted suicide twice in the last few weeks and was focused on ending his life.
It is difficult to know just what to say to someone who is so discouraged, especially when you are facing lots of challenges yourself. However, I was really helped by the daily devotional that I send out to my team every day. It is called Morning and Evening by Charles Spurgeon, and some times it hits me right between the eyes! The scripture and lesson that helped me know what to say to these two gentlemen, and to myself, came from Isaiah 49:16. I shared it with both of these men and I also shared it with about 300 people experiencing homelessness when I preached in Union Rescue Mission’s back parking lot last Sunday for the Love LA Service.
“Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands.”
-Isaiah 49:16
“I have graven thee.”It does not say, “Thy name.” The name is there, but that is not all: “I have graven thee.” See the fulness of this! I have graven thy person, thine image, thy case, thy circumstances, thy sins, thy temptations, thy weaknesses, thy wants, thy works; I have graven thee, everything about thee, all that concerns thee; I have put thee altogether there. Wilt thou ever say again that thy God hath forsaken thee when He has graven thee upon His own palms?“
-Charles Spurgeon, Morning and Evening.
If you believe God has forsaken or abandoned you, don’t be mistaken. Not only has he not forsaken or forgotten you, but he has written you on the palm of His hands! Wow, how encouraging is that? What a picture that is of Jesus Christ, even from the Old Testament, in that when He took those nails into his hands on the Cross, He wrote us into his hands, all our pains, all of our sins, and all that we are, into His hands. I hope this will encourage you as much as it has me.
Bless you,
Rev. Andy Bales, CEO
The reading is so true, yet as simply, is the message , as simple we forget. God has disciplined us to read, read, and remember these simple truths.
What a powerful message. It’s easy to be positive when things are going well, but there are times we are unable to feel anything but despair. I wish I had been stronger for others in my past. This would have been the perfect message.
I can’t thank URM enough for all the help and direction they provided in my life transformation. The mens CLDP program was the building foundation I needed to understand the purpose GOD have for my life. Anyone that is struggling with drugs and other debilitating habits that desire change should consider the life transformation programs that URM provides to assist the thousands of men, women, and children they help on a daily basis. I personally would like to express on behalf of all of us that is blessed to have a refuge like the URM that help us find our way home. Thank you to all the staff, volunteers, and donors that make this possible.
The timing of this message was perfect and it blessed me deeply! Thank you so much, Andy! And thank you and everyone at URM for all that you do. It is a privilege to support your organization. It is truly a beacon of Light in a dark world. Jesus is Life. Without Him, we are nothing. In Him, we are redeemed and graven on the palm of the Father. The realization of His sacrifice and suffering helps me keep going through the toughest times. Please tell your friend who is struggling with suicide that he is not alone and that I am praying for him.