FALLING SHORT
FALLING SHORT STORY
The tree was once a small plant, but it grew into a large tree. It didn't fall short of what it was meant to be, even though it wondered at times. It stood tall and grew and grew. Those who saw it, marveled. They never told it how amazing it was, but somehow the tree knew and thanked God that He had given it a special place to grow on the earth. The birds thanked God that they had a place to rest and feel secure. The tree was where it was supposed to be. It had not fallen short.
Whether you are young or older, male or female, the question is the same. Do you think you are falling short?
Let's look at that question as we think about history and those who have gone before.
This morning I picked up a book that was given to my Mother. It was written in 1927. In just a year, this book will be 100 years old. How priceless that I still have it. It told of men many years ago that were famous but definitely fell short of being a good human being. Regardless of their shortcomings, God had different plans for them. One of these men was John Newton, who lived from 1725 until 1807. Ever hear of him?
John Newton was a slave trafficker, making many runs to Africa and other parts of the world, to take innocent people from their villages and homes to be workers in the slave market.
He wrote one of the most famous songs still sung at many occasions. You will know it as AMAZING GRACE.
One of the lines is "Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me."
Obviously, he knew he had fallen short BIG TIME! The surprising thing about his story, which is never mentioned, is that even after he asked God's forgiveness and survived a maritime disaster in 1749, for several years he still commanded ships conveying enslaved Africans. Finally, he retired in Liverpool with his wife where he spoke out against the slave trade and saw it outlawed before his death in 1807. Falling short? Oh yes, but in the end decided to do the right thing.
Remember, no matter what you are facing or how much you feel that you have or are falling short...no matter how much you have tried to do your best, God has forgiveness and a plan, just as he did with John Newton. He can cure sadness and bring joy.
He definitely has a plan, whether it is a long life or a shorter one. He can bring love where there is none. He is our Savior; the God of the universe Who can do all things, even when we fall short.
Blessings and feel free to pass this blog along.
Hear the bagpipes of Amazing grace