Email 
Bookmark 
Print A Father’s Desperation
by Winsome SmithThe front page article caught my eye. A toddler’s cries prompted his own, and seeing the child’s hunger, a young father decided to meet the needs on his own terms. With a toy gun, he robbed a bank.
The man was soon apprehended, and upon questioning the police heard of the needs of the struggling family. Apparently it was not for his own desire for an easy vacation or some other extravagant wish, but to provide basic necessities for his family. While the man had done wrong and remains in custody, the police officers saw a real need and moved to help the family. They brought bags of groceries and personal items to the home, and have helped them to find legitimate resources for their needs.
Searching for satisfaction
As I reflect, we are not so unlike that father. We often see legitimate needs. Perhaps it is a physical need we face, such as the need for food or clothing. Other times it may be the need for acceptance, the desire for control, or a yearning for true love.
We try to meet these needs on our own terms, and those terms are sometimes socially unacceptable. All around us we see those who are looking to work for their significance, or a new romance to fill aching holes within their hearts. Others turn to pornography or extramarital affairs. A shady business deal could appear a reasonable course to take. Getting married, having a child, or getting a promotion might fill the longing, we think. Perhaps a higher level of excellence at school or in sports would gain the acceptance so desperately desired.
We search in the wrong places for satisfaction. We break the moral codes of what we know to be right and wrong. Even good things are burdened with unrealistic expectations when we expect a spouse, a job or a hobby to fulfill our deepest heart needs. We find ourselves caught red-handed, perhaps with an understandable motive, yet making grievous errors in the way we pursue our goals.
God's provision
The police did not change the law for that father. What he’d done was wrong. Yet in compassion they sought to meet the need. When we sin, God does not tell us that our way of life is now acceptable. Rather, in justice He steps in to show us the reality of our sin, and with compassion offers to meet those needs in His way.
Wrong-doing (sin) demands a just payment of the penalty. The father who robbed a bank must face the consequences of his actions. We too face the consequences of our wrong choices and actions. Jesus Christ goes a step farther than the policemen in that article. He lived a perfect life on earth, and had no wrongs to account for, yet He willingly took the punishment and shame of our wrongs upon Himself! How? He faced death upon the Cross as the perfect Substitute. His death and resurrection makes it possible for God to wipe the record of our sins clean! He sets us free when we come to Him in repentance (a change of heart and mind about going our own way) and faith in Him. What a gracious, compassionate God!
What about you?
Have you found yourself with real needs and longings, and found that you are seeking satisfaction in all the wrong places? God’s love for you is immeasurable. He is compassionate. Yes, He sees where you have taken wrong paths. In His kindness makes those errors (sins) known to you, not to condemn you but to draw you to Himself. As you acknowledge them as wrong, He will lovingly welcome you with open arms. You can come to Him in faith, knowing that He will forgive and cleanse you, based on your faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ as your Substitute.
Perhaps you would like to pray a prayer such as the following, expressing your desire for His forgiveness and cleansing.
God,
I have tried to live life on my own terms. I know that I have gone my own way, and have hurt you and others. Yet You offer forgiveness and freedom. I know that Jesus Christ died for me and rose again, and paid the penalty for my sins. I accept Him as my Substitute. Please meet my needs in Your timing and Your way, as I present those needs to You. Help me to trust You more. Thank You for Your provision. Amen.
Does this prayer express the desires of your heart? You can pray it right now, and Jesus will come into your life, and forgive you of your sins forever, just as he promised.
