I've been wanting to write something warm and fuzzy, something to bring encouragement and smiles. I wanted to write about the strange young man who snuck up on our 10-year old and I from behind the garbage bins at the convenience store but didn't knock on the window until after the door was locked. I wanted to write about the beauty of singing "I Know Whom I Have Believed" and praying in Swahili/English with my friend, Joy, from the Congo. I wanted to write so many things. But what has circled me like a relentless vulture is my sin: my impatience, ingratitude, self-will, unkindness. Day after day, encounter after encounter. Don't try to make me feel better. It is what it is. And you, no doubt, have sensed it too.
The encouragement is certainly not in my actions or words. After three disheartening interactions the other morning, I pulled into the parking garage at the hospital and considered winding my way right back out again before visiting the family I'd come to see. At the rate I was going, I would cause more damage than good. In that moment God prompted me to ask--okay, beg--Him to squelch my natural tendencies. Only He knows the measure of His work.
My failure and need are not wasted, but they are painful. They soar and peck at wounded flesh, piercing and tearing. But God is faithful. And as I am reminded of my sinful self, I am grateful for a sufficient Savior. As I consider my sinful state, my eyes are opened to others who are no less thirsty for forgiveness. As I live out the consequences of my sinful choices, I yearn for a time of perfection.
This morning I confessed sins against my husband, under no duress but the screaming and clawing pride of my own heart . But what a blessed relief and generosity of heart poured over my soul in his forgiveness!
Each day, as I am convicted of and confess my sin, I hear the refrain, "Work, for the night is coming, work in the setting sun. Work, for the night is coming, when man's work is done." And Scripture reminds me that I am forgiven, redeemed and set free to live in a way that pleases the Lord (Hebrews 9:14, Colossians 1:10). "For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again" (Proverbs 24:16).
Above all, it's not about what others think about my failure and sin. It's all about God, which means I won't be eating worms anytime soon, though at times I'm tempted to.
Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling,
And to present you faultless
Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,
To God our Savior,
Who alone is wise,
Be glory and majesty,
Dominion and power,
Both now and forever.
Amen. (Jude 24-25)
The encouragement is certainly not in my actions or words. After three disheartening interactions the other morning, I pulled into the parking garage at the hospital and considered winding my way right back out again before visiting the family I'd come to see. At the rate I was going, I would cause more damage than good. In that moment God prompted me to ask--okay, beg--Him to squelch my natural tendencies. Only He knows the measure of His work.
My failure and need are not wasted, but they are painful. They soar and peck at wounded flesh, piercing and tearing. But God is faithful. And as I am reminded of my sinful self, I am grateful for a sufficient Savior. As I consider my sinful state, my eyes are opened to others who are no less thirsty for forgiveness. As I live out the consequences of my sinful choices, I yearn for a time of perfection.
This morning I confessed sins against my husband, under no duress but the screaming and clawing pride of my own heart . But what a blessed relief and generosity of heart poured over my soul in his forgiveness!
Each day, as I am convicted of and confess my sin, I hear the refrain, "Work, for the night is coming, work in the setting sun. Work, for the night is coming, when man's work is done." And Scripture reminds me that I am forgiven, redeemed and set free to live in a way that pleases the Lord (Hebrews 9:14, Colossians 1:10). "For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again" (Proverbs 24:16).
Above all, it's not about what others think about my failure and sin. It's all about God, which means I won't be eating worms anytime soon, though at times I'm tempted to.
Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling,
And to present you faultless
Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,
To God our Savior,
Who alone is wise,
Be glory and majesty,
Dominion and power,
Both now and forever.
Amen. (Jude 24-25)
Truly, we are in a battle, dear Sister. I'm there: the older I get, the more I am aware of my own sinfulness. In contrast, how brightly the grace of God shines! How thankful I am for Psalm 103 ... He remembers we are dust, and He is a loving Father. Thank you for sharing! :)
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