Helpless but not Hopeless!

We had an amazing service at church this week! Before the sermon there was a song and a very powerful skit that was similar to ones I have seen before, but this one spoke to me in a slightly different way.....

Bear with me as I set the stage: It involved a line of women in black T-shirts that had sins written on them (lying, alcohol, sexual immorality, cheating....) and a shadowy figure (Satan) that danced behind them. A woman in a white T-shirt hugged each one of the "black shirted" women and when she did their hands left dirty stains on her back. Eventually they didn't return her hug and they formed a circle around her, locking their arms. She finally fell to her knees and cried out to Jesus. When Jesus came, He not only broke apart the locked circle, He covered her stained shirt with his cloak. At the sight of Jesus, Satan and all of the black shirts were scattered and fled!

Yes, I understand the lesson of "courting sin" and how it can trap and entangle us causing us to fall on our knees and reach out for Christ. But here is what struck me: how helpless we are when it is someone else in the middle of that circle. When we are on the outside looking in and we are powerless to break the chains of bondage for someone we love.

When our children are small we are able to protect them from many of the dangers and the darkness of the world. As their parents we see a bright and hopeful future and would sacrifice anything for our children. But what happens when we see them begin to "hug" sinful behavior. When we see the sin closing in around them (even if they can't see it themselves) until they are locked in, and that means we are locked out. Unlike when they were little and we could help them learn lessons and overcome bullies we find ourselves powerless to set them free from the ultimate bully, Satan. And no sacrifice we make can be enough....

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

Once again, it is only Jesus! I know He has forgiven MY past, present and future and He has removed My shackles. But this week I was hit with the realization that I also have to depend on Him to break the chains that bind my loved ones. This too is personal. No words, no motivations or actions or manipulation on my part will ever break down the walls that surround someone in bondage. Only Christ can do that. Though it's true of anyone we love; parent, spouse, friend....this is an especially helpless feeling as a parent! Until that person falls on their knees before Jesus, all we can do is be on our knees for them.

This may not be a "new" concept to you and it may not even make sense but for some reason it moved me in big way! If you want to view the skit go here (feel free to skip the worship and go to the 18 minute mark). I debated whether or not to post such a "deep" thought during party week but I so rarely have "deep" thoughts I figured I had better go ahead. Ha!

To end on a lighter note:

My son (17) was in Choir practice during the service and was a little shocked to see a girl walk in with the word "Alcohol" written on her shirt. He was relieved to find out it was all part of a skit.......

Thanks for allowing me to share!