Irresistible Grace

I've just started a new book titled "Calvinism in the Las Vegas Airport", by Richard Mouw. It's about how the perspectives and teachings of Calvinism (Reformed theology) are relevant in today's society, even when many people may disagree with them.

Anyway, in the first part of the book the author gives a quick overview of the five points of Calvinism (TULIP). I've been thinking about the "I" - irresistible grace - which teaches that "God draws his chosen ones irresistibly to himself". The author uses a portion of Frances Thompson's poem "The Hound of Heaven" to illustrate this grace:

"I fled Him, down the nights and down the days;
I fled Him down the arches of the years;
I fled Him down the labyrinthine ways
Of my own mind; and in the mist of tears
I hid from Him, and under running laughter.
Up vistaed hopes I sped;
And shot, precipitated,
Adown titantic glooms of chasmed fears,
From those strong Feet that followed, followed after.
But with unhurrying chase,
And unperturbed pace,
Deliberate speed, majestic instancy..."

The thought that God relentlessly pursues those He has chosen to save is an amazing thought. What strikes me most about it is that He pursued me even as a young child, even when I didn't recognize it for what it was. Through the faithfulness of my family and the goodness of the Lord, I have what my pastor calls "a quiet testimony". Even in that "quietness" though, there is the astounding reality that God sought me out, and drew me to Him in a way that my young, child-like mind couldn't resist.

I used to think - and sometimes still do - that having this "quiet testimony" was a hindrance in evangelism. How can I relate to someone who is resisting God, when I never really experienced the same? I guess that's where the "T" in TULIP (total depravity) comes in. We are all in need of a Savior, if for no other reason that because we're human. Regardless of age, past or current lifestyles, or upbringing, all that matters is that there is nothing we can do apart from grace to save ourselves.

For those children who are closest to me - Isaac, Kaylee, Baby Marlow and Baby Block - my prayer is that they too will each have a "quiet testimony" and experience the irresistible grace of God.