He Knew What He Was Getting Into

The garden was still. Moving among the trees, He called out again. "Adam? Where are you?" Not that He didn't know. He was looking right through the trees to Adam's hideout. But He graciously gave Adam a chance to step out and speak for himself.
"I heard Your voice in the garden and I was afraid," came the timid reply, almost at a whisper.
The Father sighed, sorrowful. The day had come. He had given Adam freedom to choose, with the full knowledge that he could walk away from perfect relationship and straight into the pit of despair.

Yes, He knew what He was getting into. And He still fashioned you and made you a beautiful part of His creation. He sees deeper than your failure.

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The waves rose higher, gaining on Peter's height by the second. As he sank, he cried out in panic, "Lord, save me!" With compassion, Jesus took him by the hand and helped him back into the ship. Yet as He climbed in Himself, He sighed. Loaves and fish multiplied, blind given sight, demons cast out, water walked on, and Peter still couldn't quit looking at the earth's limitations and elements from a human fisherman's standpoint. Would Peter ever get it? "Well...yes...kind of." Jesus thought, grimacing at the knowledge that the moment of denial lay between the present and Peter's bold sermon and "get it" moment. Still--despite this twinge of pain--just a few days later, He proclaimed blessing over Peter and deemed him a leader and rock for the church.

Yes, He knew what He was getting into. And He still called choose you and called your name to be a fisher of men and a leader in His church. He sees in you strength.

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The tears flowed in torrents. Her brother was dead, and Jesus didn't even care. Someone had told him to come days ago, and He hadn't showed any concern by coming! How could He be good? 

Martha burst through the door. "The Teacher is here, and He is asking for you," she said. Mary's heart hesitated. She wanted Him to be here; she needed Him in this overwhelming grief. Yet she struggled against the pain-filled anger and a desire to run. It took everything in her to pick herself up and go to Jesus, falling at His feet. "Lord, if you had been here, my brother wouldn't have died." She cried the words in desperation.

The Teacher gazed with compassion upon her weary form and shoulders shaking with sobs. If only she knew what was coming soon to her family--what a glorious resurrection reunion would bring back her brother while giving glory to God--if she could grasp back to the faith that helped her choose the good part by sitting and learning of God! But for now, He wept with her.

Yes, He knew what He was getting into. And He is not shocked by your brokenness. He sees the end from the beginning--the finished work of your life after all the messiness has been cleared away. 

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He knew what He was getting into, friends. And yet He still said "Yes." No matter where you are, let the truths of these stories and song below comfort your heart. Proclaim Who He is. Preach truth to your soul. Take heart today in Him Who fills all in every way (Eph. 1:23)  What a sweet grace is ours!