Day 223: Psalms 88-89; Romans 10

I'm not always sure why, but often on days such as this, I am drawn to a phrase, or a verse, so that is where I stay for a moment. What you read will be familiar. That is not a bad thing. Perhaps you need to be reminded of God's gracious pursuit...for yourself, for your loved one, for the lost one you have been lifting in prayer, or the rebellious one whose wandering is causing you grief. "And Isaiah says boldly, 'I was found by those who were not looking for me; I revealed myself to those who were not asking for me.' But to Israel he says, 'All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and defiant people.'" (Romans 10:20-21, CSB) Once again, the pursuit is to the unaware, but desperately needy. When I was lost in sin, He found me. He extended His gracious hand of salvation when I was not looking...or looking in all the wrong places. He showed up! I saw Him and knew my sin would be my end, but His grace won out! Praise God! BUT, what about the rebellious wanderer? All day long, every day, God holds out His hand of salvation, forgiveness, affirmation...to clasp and draw in the one who has turned and walked away from Him. This I know, by His outstretched hand, many a wanderer has come Home. His reach is far, His love, mercy and grace extend even farther. He hasn't given up...nor must we!