This is My Father’s World
- Sara Adkins
- Oct 17, 2024
- 2 min read
The song in the title has kept popping into my head for the last couple weeks. The stories of loss and devastation, survival and rescues, miracles and more, keep popping up on social media and TV. We will be hearing stories for months maybe even years. Even with all that, I just remember my step father-in law Pop, and a shirt that I gave him, with embroidery on the pocket that said, “This land is not my home. I’m just a passing through.” He wore it like a jacket till the cuffs were thread bare. I always loved seeing him wear it. It was truly what he believed.
This world is not ours. We are just the stewards. I know many people, including me, accumulate stuff, others it may be land or wealth, and in the end, we can take none of it with us. Oh, we can leave something of a legacy behind; something for the children and grandchildren to share and or bicker over. They don’t get to take it with them either. My heart aches for those who have lost much if not all. For some, even the land is now gone. Starting from scratch is rough. For some it will be impossible. For others, they will start over somewhere else.
Our stewardship is not only for this land but for our brothers and sisters in Christ as well. The outpouring of support and love for one another has been astounding but yet there has been anger and frustration from some who simply don’t know how to deal with the aftermath.
God’s word tells us to love one another as our self. With love and Jesus by our side, nothing is impossible.
1Peter 4:10 says, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:”
Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men...”
Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”
Lord, help us remember that you are our creator, our sustainer, and our provider. We are just passing through. Guide us to be the stewards that you want us to be. Forgive us when we fail. Guard and protect those who are less fortunate and in need. Provide for those who have lost it all. Keep them from harm’s way. May your glory shine through it all. Amen
Enjoy the Youtube video of the song, "This Is My Father's World" by the Norton Hall Band.
I enjoyed this devotion and the prayer at the end sounded a lot like my wake up prayer.
Please include all our pastors in this trying time of supporting our mountain neighbors in your prayers daily, Amen.