I talked to someone last night who has grown up in a Christian context (though not evangelical), but seems to have no biblical knowledge whatsoever and no understanding of the gospel. By exterior appearances this person could be considered deeply religious, yet still lacking even a rudimentary understanding of the basic tenets of the Christian faith.

The encounter reminded me of my time in the BC jail, where everyone is a "Christian" but most don't have a minimal grasp of what that actually means. Most inmates kept a Bible by their bunk as a sort of talisman to ward off evil spirits, give their court cases a favorable outcome, and to sidestep an eternity in hell -- but if you asked them to look up John 3:16, they'd probably have trouble finding it.

The fact is the scales do not fall from anyone's eyes unless God makes them fall. The reason we choose Him is because He chooses us (Ephesians 1:4). During this season of life especially, that gives me great comfort. My heart is warmed by the fact that not even insignificant little birds fall to the ground apart from His will (Matthew 10:29).

So I'm left with a thankful heart. I'm thankful that it pleased God to separate me from my mother's womb and to call me by His grace (Galatians 1:15). And I'm thankful that, as the old hymn goes, "Jesus sought me while a stranger, wandering from the fold of God." As the psalmist says, our God is in heaven, and He does whatever He pleases.

So when I see blank stares from people whose minds are apparently "blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them" (2 Cor. 4:4), I'm often times filled with hope and awe, knowing that even someone's stubborn will -- or obstinacy -- is no match for the will of Yahweh. As Romans 8:28 says, "All things work together for good to those who love God, for those who are called according to His purpose."

My children are without their father right now -- He knows that, and He's using it for His glory. It's working out for good. I believe that with all my heart, because the light of the gospel shines brighter in dark places.

Nathan, Daniel, Abigail, and Evangeline, I love you all so much. I think about all of you, literally, every hour of every day. JESUS is with you, my babies.