I feel short of breath, like I can’t breathe deep. The weight of the world’s worries crashes in on me. The pain and suffering of others crushes my capacity to fill my lungs. Why did I ever say to Jesus, “Here am I, send me?” (Isaiah 6:8)

“Count the cost,” he says. (Luke 14:25-34)

How could I have known the cost of love? Do you or anyone else know what love costs? I didn’t ask for this, he called me to it. All I asked for was more of him.

“Lord Jesus, here am I…uhm, can I stay with you? Yeah, remain in you like your word says. (John 15) Can I have more of you, and stay with you? This sending thing hurts. It is a sacrifice and is very costly. My heart is crushed and broken for the many. Please let me stay with you. In you is safety and refuge”

God says, “Staying with me means going where I go. My heart is also filled with compassion for people. If you come with me, you will share in my suffering, but, my yoke is easy and my burden is light for I am with you and we bear the burden together. Breathe deep in me. I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28-30) Walk in my still waters and as you pass through this valley of the stench of death, (Psalm 23) I will fill your nostrils with the fragrance of deliverance. (2 Corinthians 2:14) I will give you hope. Lie in this boat and rest beside me. (Mathew 8:24) This storm will rage on, but you rest in me, breathe deep…”

“Come dear one. There’s another who needs love. Yes, it will be painful and costly. Come, share in my sufferings.” (Philippians 3:10, 1 Peter 4:13)

True love aches, sacrifices, and dies. Real love rejoices, triumphs, and lives. Are we willing to accept it? Are we willing to be it?
Can you say, “Here I am. . .” It’s worth considering.

Resolved,
Robin