I had a discussion with a friend the other day, he was reading 'Purpose Driven Life', and we talked around the issue of sanctification, how it is a slow process. It is an interesting chapter but the problem is the chap was misreading it, I understood from his interpretation that sanctification came before conversion - there is no way Rick Warren implies this! It is a great opportunity, I said to him conversion may be a slow process, but at some stage you have to jump in with both feet. There is no way Peter could've walked on water if he had had one foot in the boat; if I challenge my children to jump into my arms, they will never experience the safety of my arms unless they actually jump off the ledge they are standing on. It is perhaps a common thought that we believe we need to be right before we can be accepted by God, but then the message of grace is pointless. It is true that it does take time for people to be sanctified, it is also true that it takes some time for people to accept Jesus, if ever, but the point I was on was that you can't become right with God until you accept Jesus, He says, "unless I wash you, you can't share life with me." John 13:9.
But it is true, here on the Isle of Dogs, we are playing the long game, and just recently one of our long lost prodigals has come home. It has taken about 8 years and every now and again there were visits and murmurs of a return, but I have to say it is so glorious to be able to witness the return! What a wonderful testimony is coming out of this girl, and so many captives I am sure will be coming in on her train. This is the crux of a purposeful life, one that brings redemption and healing to many others. This is a slow process, but the reward is exceedingly good. God is faithful. Please keep praying.
