Compassion with Captors and My Golden Ship

In 2 Chronicles 30:8 - 9, the scribe writes, "Do not now be stiff-necked as your fathers were, but yield yourselves to the Lord and come to his sanctuary, which he has consecrated forever, and serve the Lord your God, that his fierce anger may turn away from you.  For if you return to the Lord, your brothers and your children will find compassion with their captors and return to this land.  For the Lord your God is gracious and merciful and will not turn away his face from you, if you return to him." 

What I love about this passage is how God changes the heart of our captors into compassion toward us. So often today, when we find ourselves in difficult situations, we make plans to bolt.  We are fleeing from relationships, from work, from church, even from difficult neighbors.  Where is the staying power? What would have happened if Joseph had decided enough was enough while a prisoner in Egypt? Was it easy for him in that Egyptian prison? I can't imagine what it was like, but we do know that God changed the heart of his captors to have compassion upon him.

 

When we find ourselves in difficult situations we must be willing to wait upon the LORD while His great power changes the heart of our captors into hearts of compassion upon us. Our captors come in many styles: a spouse, a boss, a neighbor, a friend, a leader, a family member and enemy, etc. Six months ago, I found a children's book that we just printed which should be available in about 2 months. The book is called My Golden Ship.  I was captivated by the story from the very beginning. Though a children's story, ages 8 to 14, the author crafted a story within a story...one for children and the other for adults, particularly for those who find themselves struggling in a difficult marriage, a difficult job, a difficult addiction, and a difficult health situation. This wordcrafter was both ingenious and courageous. Writing what she wrote in this book would not be acceptable today for many.  But what this author wrote, I believe is the true biblical model for reconciliation and redemption for anyone who finds themselves in any difficult relationship or situation. In this story you will see 2nd Chronicles 30:8 - 9 come alive on a multi dimensional scale...one that you and your children will never forget. I am so thankful to the LORD that he enables me to find these incredible treasures...i truly believe that these stories, and this one in particular, will turn many from the error of their way, thus saving souls from death, and hiding a multitude of sin, for generations to come! (James 5:20).