Saving Power or Staying Power?

I had an instructor at Bible College that stated, "God's staying power is stronger than His saving power."

While I don't necessarily believe that one of God's powers is more powerful than another, there may be something that rings true in the above quote.

In my recent attempts to reconnect with old friends through Facebook, I've been somewhat disappointed by a few discoveries I've made . . . discoveries regarding the faith of former friends, and how they've chosen to deviate from the truth they once knew. I've also made this discovery in the blogging world as well. My heart breaks for these former Jesus-followers and I'm not sure how or what to do about it other than pray for them . . . pray that the Holy Spirit would convict them and change their hearts back over to Him.

I've never really thought my personal testimony to be anything overwhelmingly dramatic. I'm not a reformed prisoner, alcoholic or drug abuser. I am a law-keeper, non-drinker, and I've never even tried smoking, let alone drugs. God has spared me from those things. However, I am a sinner, and I've experienced God's grace in so many areas of my life and Jesus is very real to me. I've never considered throwing away my faith. And I know that it is by the grace of God that I am still a believer today. I truly do not know where I'd be if it weren't for God's existence . . . His presence in my life.

I guess that's why I am unable to understand how and why a person chooses to turn away from God. And yes, I believe it is a choice that we all make. Once we have been given the knowledge of what Christ did for us on the cross, we have to make the decision to accept or reject Him. I'm just not sure how someone goes from praising God and ministering to others for Him one year, and then the next they are proclaiming atheism. I am not being extreme here. This has happened to people I know.

I suppose it's not up to me to decipher the whys and whats, but rather, uphold these individuals in my prayers; and praise God that His staying power has been a powerful force in my own life.

There's a song by Nichole Nordeman entitled, "What If?" It is a song that asks some hard questions and addresses a bit of what I've written about in this post. The lyrics for the song follow, as well as a link to another blogger's thoughts on this topic, along with a YOU-TUBE presentation of Nichole Nordeman's song.

WHAT IF? - by Nichole Nordeman

What if you're right?
And he was just another nice guy
What if you're right?
What if it's true?
They say the cross will only make a fool of you
And what if it's true?

What if he takes his place in history
With all the prophets and the kings
Who taught us love and came in peace
But then the story ends
What then?

But what if you're wrong?
What if there's more?
What if there's hope you never dreamed of hoping for?
What if you jump?
And just close your eyes?
What if the arms that catch you, catch you by surprise?
What if He's more than enough?
What if it's love?

What if you dig
Way down deeper than your simple-minded friends
What if you dig?
What if you find
A thousand more unanswered questions down inside
That's all you find?

What if you pick apart the logic
And begin to poke the holes
What if the crown of thorns is no more
Than folklore that must be told and retold?

You've been running as fast as you can
You've been looking for a place you can land for so long
But what if you?re wrong?

Check out this link and You-Tube presentation of WHAT IF? at Sugar Bug.