“When Abram heard that his kinsman had been taken captive, he led forth his trained men, born in his house, 318 of them, and went in pursuit as far as Dan. And he divided his forces against them by night, he and his servants, and defeated them and pursued them to Hobah, north of Damascus. Then he brought back all the possessions, and also brought back his kinsman Lot with his possessions, and the women and the people.” (Genesis 14:14–16, ESV)
Then he brought back all the possessions, and also brought back his kinsman Lot with his possessions, and the women and the people. Captivity is no place for the child of God! Yet, all too often, the forces against us seem to be greater than the strength within us. When we lose the battle to the beasts that prey upon us, despair can become an all too familiar “friend.”
It is the darkness that destroys many of us. Whether the lights are on or not, we feel the oppression and we grope for a way out, to no avail. It doesn’t matter anymore whether our choices or someone else’s advances brought about our incarceration. This captivity eats our soul alive. Sadness overwhelms and hope fades.
Lot was a captive along with all those from his community. Overwhelming forces quickly carried the people of Sodom away. Just looking around created a sense of hopelessness. All these people and so many more military! Life couldn’t get any worse, that’s for sure.
If you are where Lot was, and you’re locked up and away by forces greater than you can overcome, God wants you to hear that help is on the way! He has those who love you all around. Being dear to another means greater hope in the moment.
You are on God’s mind and as you cry out to Him in your darkness, God’s heart is pulled. Just as a father cannot bear the cries of pain from his child, so too, God can’t bear your weeping and tears.
Now is the time to explode in a cacophony of wailing. Vent your pain to God. Let Him hear the agony you are in. He is moved by your emotion and will mount your rescue quickly in order to bring His captive child home safe and sound.
Be real, be vocal, and be ready for your release! Help is on the way!
Turn-Around Tuesdays are designed to bring hope and help, insight and encouragement to those of us who are simply overwhelmed by the flood of problems life throws at us. No one is immune to trials and troubles, but God has a way of lifting us from life’s torrents. Each short thought is written by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith, Executive Director of Eagles In Leadership, and comes from his life-journey with the God who never leaves us or forsakes us. He welcomes your comments below.
