“Here I am, standing at the door knocking." ~ Revelation 3:20
From behind, it could be her. But when the young woman dressed in filthy, time-worn
clothing doubled over from the cough that seemed to be getting worse with every
passing day, he knew.
The daughter of a local businessman - sold heroin, stole
electronics, and ran from a myriad of abusive relationships. At night she slept in abandoned buildings and
begged for spare change during the day.
“Leave me alone,” Jesse replied. Now her father stood before her, offering
what he’d proffered from the day she was born - a chance at a better life.
“But, Jess, why do you insist on living such a hazardous
lifestyle,” he questioned. I worry about
what your addiction is doing to your health … physically and mentally.”
She heard the pain in his voice.
Yet she stubbornly shook her head. “I didn’t ask for your help,” she repeated. “I like the way things are!” silently
confessing a battle not to lose hope.
“But just last week,” he reminded, “you complained about going
to sleep hungry; about how miserable life can be in the rain.”
Jesse paused considering those points. True, life on the streets could get depressing.
But this was the only life she knew! She’d rather complain even while ignoring the
solution that awaited her.
“I can’t change, Father,” Jesse said in a voice barely above
a whisper. “I’m too set in my ways. Its hopeless! I tried several times, but I keep coming back
to the streets. I just can’t help it!”
“Oh, but you can!” he
pleaded. “I’ll help you! Come live with me. I promise you a better, healthier and more
productive life,” extending his hand; inviting her to join him.
Jesse shook her head. “I just can’t,” she repeated, her
spirit broken.
“You can’t, or won’t?” The question always haunted her; she made no
reply. Jesse simply turned and walked away. With the eyes that could cry no more, she
gazed out at the street where people hustled to make their living and she worried
that her light had gone out.
Her Father forced back the tears as He watched her
disappear. He’d return again tomorrow
and every day after that. Maybe someday she’d
be ready to accept His love. He’ll never
give up!
Sometimes life can feel like a landslide; when you feel like
can no longer hold it together.
People can change, but we can’t change ourselves any
more than a drowning person can save him or her self. We need help, encouragement, a healthier
vision.
The problem - not the answer - lies within. The
heart of the problem is the problem of the heart. Even so, God can change our hearts from the
inside. His door is always open.
