When You Feel Like God’s Red-Headed Stepchild

By Linda Grabeman

One of my favorite pictures in our living room is of my younger son, Carey, with three of his girlfriends, huddled close with Taylor Swift.

The frame says “FRIENDS”.

I vividly remember the night that photo was taken.

Carey was a freshman at Belmont University in Nashville.

As a guitar major, his excitement for Taylor’s concert was meteoric.

He had done his homework and knew that her mom was the key to an invitation to the aftershow called

“The T- Party”,

a small group of hand-picked fans

spending time alone with “Tay-Sway”.

He was determined to get an invitation to that T-Party.

He introduced himself to her mom, quickly explaining that he went to Belmont, was a guitar major and loved her showmanship. Basically, he begged.

AND.HE.GOT.THE.INVITATION.

What a night!!! It was the happiest night of his freshman year, and I got to hear every detail.

Now, back to the picture, taken at the “T-party”.

“FRIENDS” is not an accurate description of their relationship. Carey knew a lot about Taylor, but they didn’t have a personal relationship.

So what’s my point?

God wants that close relationship with us. He even wants the intimate after-party with us. The God-party. Just one-on-One.

But maybe your relationship with God has gotten a little distant lately.

Maybe you are feeling like His red-headed stepchild right now.

True confession: I have felt like that unloved, out-of-favor child before. Sometimes for a long time.

 

 

Bad news – It was my own fault. I let things take up my time, fill my mind and turn my heart from making precious time with the Lord my first goal each day. 

One day forgotten catches your attention.

Multiply that over and over, and the guilt builds up.

So does the loneliness for God.

But by now, you feel unworthy.

Red-headed stepchild.

Good news – Our feelings don’t determine God’s faithfulness. Our blame doesn’t turn His heart away. 

He always wants us back. Always.

It’s just FOUR EASY STEPS:

1. Make time away with God your highest priority every day. Don’t let anything rob you of that precious time.
2. Be Quiet. Be Still. It takes time to build and maintain a friendship. Cherish this time. God does.
3. Talk to Him. About anything. All through the day. He wants to know whatever is on your heart. Tell Him every detail.

4. Be Real. The more honest you are, the deeper your friendship will be. Just spill out your heart. Then listen for his answer, expecting to hear it… through his Word, a song, a deep sense in your heart, a sermon, or simply through creation. He speaks in whatever way He wants, but He speaks.

There is no greater joy than restored fellowship with the Lord. I pray for reconciliation to anyone experiencing that sad separation.

Feeling apart from God is miserable, but it is easily fixable.

It just takes sincere repentance and a shift in priorities.

Find that special spot. Your sanctuary. And then snuggle in.

God is anxious to draw you close for that FRIENDS photo.

Love,

Linda

Playlist:

You Say – Lauren Daigle

Dare You to Trust My Love – Ryan Stevenson

Not Forgotten – Ryan Stevenson

No Matter What – Ryan Stevenson

Through and Through – Will Reagen

Since You Love – United Pursuit

Simple Gospel – United Pursuit

Your Love is Strong – Cory Asbury

Listen here at the Real and True Playlist on Spotify: (newest blog playlist are always first songs at the top) https://open.spotify.com/user/128815512/playlist/3YfqgeMjEUj7ZB8ydKd5qL 

Check out Chloe and Linda Grabeman’s book Real and True: Hope for the Restless Heart at www.realandtruehope.com