The Virtuous Life – Day 226 – Isaiah 53-4-6 – Have Gone Astray – Growing As Disciples
Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:4-6 (ESV)
My Good Shepherd
There is no doubt about it, I was like a lost and lonely sheep that had wandered away from you. I was bruised and battered and broken by the sinful life I was living in the world. Beyond that, I had no hope or peace or joy. My life was stuck in the muck and mire of a life gone horribly wrong. I lived a self-centered, self-reliant, and self-indulgent life. I was worn out, weary, and empty inside. What could I expect? I was living my life without you. What happened to you? You know what happened to me. You rescued me. You were unwilling to let me live a life without you. Like a Good Shepherd, you went after me. You sought me out. You helped me to see the error of my own ways. You brought me to the end of the line. There was nowhere I could go. There was nothing I could do. So, I cried out to you. I asked you to show yourself to me. I told you that I wanted to turn my life over to you. I said that I would give myself to you. I asked you to be my Savior and Lord. I invited you to come into my life. I asked you to heal my bruised and battered and broken life. I asked you to forgive my sins and cleanse my unrighteousness. Did I hear your prayer? Have I been doing what you asked of me? Did you hear my prayer? What a question. You have, are now, and will forever be hearing and answering my prayer. Your answers to my prayer never end. Your answers to my prayer are far beyond what I could have ever hoped for, dreamed of, or even imagined. You have lavished me with your kindness and mercy and love. You have adopted me into your family. I am now your child. You have filled me with your Spirit. You are allowing me to live and walk in an intimate relationship with you. You are molding and shaping my life as I continue to love and follow and serve you. You have given me gifts, and talents, and abilities with which I can serve you. You are allowing me to bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. You are making me to be a light in the darkness of this world. You are using me to draw others to you. You are using me to accomplish your purposes and fulfill your plans. One day, I will come to live forever in heaven with you. Could I ask for anything more? Could I desire something better? Absolutely not! Thank you Lord, for all your goodness to me. Thank you for being my Good Shepherd and drawing me back to you. You are welcome. I delight to hear and answer your prayers. Your thankfulness is pleasing to me. Keep on living in an intimate relationship with me. Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good.
Lord, I was a lost and lonely sheep that wandered far from you. My life was bruised, battered, and broken by the sinful life I was living in the world. You rescued me from a life without you. You brought me back to you. In you, I have hope and peace and joy. Amen
Key Question… How are you now living in an intimate relationship with the Lord, who is your Good Shepherd?
Living It Out… Allow the Lord to keep on doing His great work in, for, and through you as you keep on following Him.
Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord has and will continue to do a great work in, for, and through you as you keep on following Him.
Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are now living your life with and for the Lord.
Prayer To Bless Others… May you give thanks to the Lord for the great work he is doing in, for, and through you as you follow Him.
For today’s complete 4 page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide click here:
The Virtuous Life – Day 226 – Isaiah 53-4-6 – Have Gone Astray – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide
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