Sunday was a beautiful day. The wind seemed to follow us wherever we went. As we walked to the futbol court for sports ministry, I was reminded: I am in the desert. Someone who wears contacts would not like it here on this particular day. It seemed that every few yards I was grimacing at the stinging my eyes would feel, as sand blew into them. As tears would pool in my eyes, I found myself saying, “Oh how I love sand! I love sand in my eyes!” Some of my teammates have challenged each other to speak positively, even when it’s not the most pleasant situation.
Walking home, as I shielded my eyes, I saw the beauty of the desert. The wind blew mini sand storms across the open sand lot. Suddenly, what was beautiful became somewhat painful, literally. The wind whipped the sand at our bare legs, causing hundreds of needles pricks to pelt the sensitive skin.
Once we arrived back at the compound, we could feel the effects of the mini sandstorm. Sand was caked on our faces, and even inside our clothes. Attempting to rid myself of the grime, I would wipe my face with my bare hands or shirtsleeve, but the sand would remain. It likes to stick to you, especially after a long, hot day. It requires more than just a simple wipe down. I needed a shower. I needed soap! I needed a true cleansing on my skin.
I see our journey of faith in a similar way. Satan likes it when I allow sin to remain in my life. Sometimes, I try to rid myself of the sin on my own doing which essentially gets me nowhere. There is only one thing that can wash away my sin: the blood of Christ. It doesn’t matter how many good works I do, it will never outweigh the sin in my life. Ezekiel 36 says, I will sprinkle clean water on you and will turn your heart of stone, to a heart of flesh (That’s my paraphrase).
Once I’ve allowed Christ to enter in, I am washed clean. I’m a new creation. I encourage anyone: no matter how much grime you have in your life, it’s never too much for the Lord to handle. He can wash you clean!
Sunsets over Trujillo, they never get old.
