Deep Love

To start this post off I want to acknowledge two very important women in my life - by mothers. This morning I was able to worship God through song and was reminded of His astounding sacrifice. I was given that opportunity because of both my mothers. My mother-in-law, posted a song on Facebook this morning by a group named Selah. After listening to the song she posted I listened to another one sung by them "How Deep the Father's Love for Us." (I was able to engross myself in the song and worship God because the girls are spending special time with my Mom and Dad this weekend.) I am so thankful for both of them and the way they encourage me in my walk with God. I feel beyond blessed that I can call them mom but also sister-in-Christ.

Last week read a story that I could totally relate to. A woman was writing about a time in her life when she was recalling God's faithfulness to her and a prayer she said. This is how she describes it:

                 "I recall telling him [God] that I was ready to follow whatever plans he had for me, saying,                   "Use me as you will." The same moment I prayed, a surprising inner voice hurled out the                      following words to God, "Just don't touch my kids.""

She later went on to describe that her son was diagnosed with a brain tumor two months later and how God was faithful to them during those difficult days. I admit that I have said that prayer myself. I shudder at the thought of any sort of harm coming to my girls. I would do anything to protect them from danger and distress. And when I think of how much love I have for them, I am overwhelmed of how much love God has for me.

Here's the thing. God loves Jesus, his son, as much or probably even more than I love my kids. He was willing to sacrifice that love, put His son through hell, because He loves me, too. The only way I can know Him, experience His grace and some day spend eternity with Him is because His love is so vast. I am overwhelmed by that thought. Every time it hits me it brings me to tears.

Here are the lyrics to the song "How Deep the Father's Love for Us"

How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

I will not boast in anything I have done but I will boast in and give glory to God and what His sacrifice has brought me. Here's the song, give it a listen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vmY2ztb5xc