“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

A man lay inside out, dying. Blood pools on the indifferent concrete, and as a heavy cold sets in, darkness falls. Alone, nothing can save this man. Time is running out; hope has gone. His breathing slows; his last whisper, a cough. The pale face of death emerges, silence.
Away in the darkness, a key turns – the circuit closes – ignition. Passion burns. The fuel pumps as pressure builds. Exit to the cylinder, compression-ignition-combustion-power. The cycle repeats. Rescue is coming. The sirens blaze through the silence. The pedal is pressed, the valve opens, and the engine roars – compression-ignition-combustion-power – passion, purpose. Leaving all behind, help races to the scene. HE races to the scene.
A quick survey and the emotions overflow into tears. He kneels down as love pours out. Through Him life is restored. The bright face of life emerges, resounding praise.
I am restored.

When something bad happens, there is a good chance you will hear or say one of two phrases: “Don’t worry” or “Pray for me.” I realized how odd it sounds if you switched the two: “Don’t pray” or “Worry for me.”  I’m sure we’ve all asked someone to pray for us, but have we ever asked anyone to worry for us?  Why not?

Worrying will do nothing for us, as Matthew 6:27 states, “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”  In contrast, we all know the power of prayer.  Psalm 50:15 says, “…call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.”  It’s amazing to me that the urge to pray to God and the reflex to spurn worry is common to us all.

Just as I am
A sinner, unclean
Just as I am
Wicked, obscene

Just as I am
Guilty, depressed
Just as I am
Defeated, a mess

Just as I am
Addicted, caged
Just as I am
Suicidal, enraged

Just as I am
Weak, needy
Just as I am
Ugly, greedy

Just as I am
Stupid, fat
Just as I am
Spineless, a rat

Just as I am
Unloved, jealous
Just as I am
Impatient, rebellious

Just as I am
Abused, hateful
Just as I am
Conceited, ungrateful

Just as I am
Evil
Sick
Useless
Sarcastic
Perverted
Dirty
Manipulative
Hopeless
Cold
Anxious
Hostile
Vulgar
Arrogant
Trapped
Foul
Controlling
Broken.
Dead.

Just as I am
You saved me