Stay in the Prison

I've been studying the life of Nick Vijucic for a ghostwriting project I'm currently working on, and I found it deeply inspiring. Nick was born over 30 years ago without arms and legs (a very rare condition). His parents did not treat him any differently from his other siblings, they sent him to a normal school like others. Due to his condition, he became the object of bullying from his colleagues. At one time, he felt so depressed that he attempted to drown himself in the bathtub. Then in that moment, he remembered the love of his parents, and because of this love, he decided not to take his own life and from there he discovered God's purpose for his life. Now, he lives life fully, though without limbs and yet affects the world with the love of God still.

Put simply, the love Nick's parents had for him constrained him from taking his own life. One scripture that fits this perfectly is, *"For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead" (2 Cor 5:14, KJV).* So, God's love is a sentence we have been given for eternity. We cannot escape His love. More importantly, his love is like a prison which we are enclosed in.

The prodigal son we talked about yesterday didn't want this. He went to a "far country" where he was away from the influence of his father and there he spent all he had on prostitutes and a wayward life.

*Here's the word*

As long as you are in the presence of the Father- strong in fellowship and communion, dwelling within the courts of God - the desire for sin will be continually dealt with. The son could only behave in those manners because the Father's presence was no longer felt. He felt independent. You can declare your independence from any other thing in the world, but not from the love and presence of God. It is dangerous. The greatest expression of the absence of the love and presence of God is hell (and that is where all who reject the love of God end up. John 3:18).

The love of God was why Joseph could say "How can I do this wicked thing and sin against God?" That was his consciousness. The love of God constrained him from acting in the way Potiphar's wife demanded.

Do you find it easy to continue in your vomit or to go back to things you've repented from? Check. Your fellowship with God and His word will kindle the flame of his love in your heart again.

His love alone can prevent you from falling into sin.

Stay imprisoned in the love of God.
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Scripture for meditation: "For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead" (2 Cor 5:14, KJV).

Prayer

Lord, I receive your love everyday. I choose to be conscious of your presence everyday of my life in Jesus name.

Oluwatobi Adesanya
For Daily Dealings Youth Devotional