Throughout this week, I’ve been thinking back to April, 2004 when God used this indirect work in my life. During the initial shock of being confronted with the sin of pornography, I wanted God to show up with his emergency clean up kit and take the pain, embarrassment, hurt, and fear away and reset my life back on track. “WE NEED A CLEAN UP IN AISLE 4.” I wanted this done as quickly, painlessly and unpublic as possible. However, he chose to bring healing and restoration indirectly- through godly people who were praying; through time to sort through past memories and hurts; and through parallel healing in my wife’s life. I often comment that the healing I experience was like landing on a Posturpedic mattress of Grace. Looking back, I realize that God was holding me close to himself while allowing the Body of Christ, his Church, to do what it does best. It reminds me of the parable of the Prodigal Son. When Jr. shows up on Dad’s driveway, Father stayed with the son and gives the commands for others to get the ring, robe and shoes. Father remained with his hurting son while others are killing the fattened calf and preparing the banquet.

So while the work is indirect, God is very deliberate in getting the message to his loved one, “I LOVE YOU.” I pray that as you are wading through the complexities of life, that you experience this direct Love of the Father.