Self-Made Prison
Welcome back to another inspirational moment from historical Christian romance novels!
Luke 19: 9-10: Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and save what was lost.”
As we dive into The Station Keeper’s Surrender by Julia David, we meet Ava. She is our leading lady who strives to be perfect and runs from her mistakes. Does that sound familiar? I think if we are honest with ourselves, we are all like Ava.
We strive to be perfect, to live according to God’s will, yet because we are human, we stumble and fall short of His glory. When this happens our first instinct is to run and hide. Like Ava and Adam and Eve. Yet Jesus seeks you out, even when you are wallowing in your sin and doubt.
I love how Julia reminds her readers, through Ava’s experience, that Jesus’s blood covers all our sins. His love for you and me is far greater than anything we can imagine. Check out this scene from The Station Keeper’s Surrender. This is after Ava has sinned in a way, she never dreamt she would and in turn she’s hurt and pushed away the man she loves.
Laney was at her elbow, giving it a squeeze. “I see your remorse,” she said deliberately. “God is looking for a contrite heart.” Laney waited, and Ava couldn’t meet her eyes. “He forgives all sins, all trespasses. That was the reason He sent His Son. There was a painful price to pay that day on the cross, but God believed you were worth it.”
Ava felt the sentiment rattle inside her, and, with a tremoring hand, she gave her friend a pat on the shoulder.
“Maybe your job, your independence was taken.” Laney hinted. “But there is no prison as harsh as living unforgiven. High expectations on oneself make for a long fall. And I know you, Ava—you’ve done everything by the Southern belle rule book.” Laney chuckled “Is there such a thing?”
“I remember when I first met you, you seemed perfect. Perfect in speech, poise, and beauty. It was like you were made of porcelain. I was a fumbling, nervous ninny goat around you.” Laney puffed a small laugh and held her arm until Ava would look at her. “This reckless night, your fall, is something you never saw yourself capable of?”
“I’ve made a lot of mistakes,” Ava whispered, glancing back at Matthew. “But at least not with a good man, like this.”
“With this mistake, ask God why? Could this be an opportunity to allow the Lord to heal your heart? He didn’t come for the perfect. He came to be living water for the confused and broken. Let Him gather you, forgive you, and hold you close.”
(Julia David, The Station Keeper’s Surrender page 194)
Oh wow. Just let those words soak in, Let Him gather you, forgive you, and hold you close. Nothing. I repeat nothing compares to letting Jesus gather you in His arms, hold you close and forgive you. There are no words to describe the peace and wholeness of knowing Jesus.
Jesus brings you complete healing and the strength to fight the good fight when temptation comes your way. Don’t live another day in your self-made prison of unforgiveness. He is seeking you, knocking on the door of your prison. Open it! Run into His loving arms and live in true freedom.
This inspirational message reminds of For King and Country’s song, Run Wild. I am putting a link to the video in the blog post. I encourage you to just listen and let the words soak in. We were made to run wild, live free, and love strong.
