Yahweh, the Giver of LifeSample

New Creatures

For many years, Mr. Dawson harbored resentment towards God for the loss of Robin, his wife of twenty-five years, to cancer. The grief led him to alcoholism and self-neglect pierced him deep but never found an exit wound. He refused to talk, refused to work, refused to eat, refused to live. He compressed it all inside his chest, not dissimilar to a hurried traveler attempting to close an overstuffed suitcase. This cost him his teaching position and everything he owned or loved. For several years he roamed about, from town to town, panhandling just to get by but mostly for cheap booze to numb the pain.

The sign Mr. Dawson once held read: “Please help. I’m widowed, homeless and hungry.” Now here he stood in the middle of a room in the basement of his former high school student. Reaching seven weeks sober was the humbling realization he needed, and he was finally ready for a new beginning.

It was a brisk morning in late March and the cherry blossom trees were in full bloom in the front yard. Mr. Dawson stared at them through the awning windows. He couldn’t help but cry, with his head bowed in prayer thanking God for his new lease on life. He had opened his heart, asked for forgiveness, pledged to follow Him closely and not take anything for granted. There was an overwhelming feeling of love that washed over his whole being, and he knew in that exact moment that he was a new man.

A beautiful melody danced through the soft air outside. It was an American Robin perched on the mailbox singing praises. Mr. Dawson smiled and remembered the last words of his dear wife: “Someday, my love, I will hold your hands in mine again and we’ll dance for hours on end.”

Suffering is a necessary component of our spiritual walk. It teaches us to not place our dependence on mortal men but in YHWH our heavenly Father. In a fallen world, we are susceptible to pain, betrayal and death. But the Son of God promises us eternal life if we can drink from the water that He offers. Even in the face of despair or misfortune, you can find rest in His arms. He’ll cover you with grace and make you a new creature.

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