The book of John in the New Testament is my favorite of the four gospels. Jesus speaks eloquently throughout the chapters about the depth of love He has for his Father and, in kind, the depth of love that He and His Father have for us. In chapter fifteen, Jesus makes a profound declaration to His disciples:

You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you… John 15:16

Kind of takes our flesh right out of the equation reminding us that we were chosen to be saved by grace, not works, lest any man should boast. Some of us were in such sorry condition when he chose us, that we must join the psalmist who wrote, “Amazing Grace how sweet the sound…”

In the beginning of this walk with Him, for many of us, it is easy to follow Him because we are astounded that He chose us, and that He makes clear that He really loves us. But as the trials, the fires and the storms of life seem to continually rage against our faith, it is easy to gradually drift away and have a harder time sensing His presence and direction in our lives. In fact, sometimes life can get so hard and produce such barrenness that we begin to wonder if we have somehow lost His love for us. Made a wrong turn or did something unforgivable that made Him abandon us.

It is at times like these that we must remember all of His promises and how it is His faith, not ours, that will bring us through until the end. And like He found you the first time, He will find you again.

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As a side note, I already voted by mail, and for the first time in my life, I left blank my vote for governor. It was the only way I could live with myself here in California where the establishment Republicans foisted a Democrat in liberal Republican’s clothing on us.

The Watercooler is always an open thread.