So now, those who are in Christ Jesus are not judged guilty. Through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit that brings life made you free from the law that brings sin and death. Romans 8:1-2
It had happened…again.
I’d sworn it wouldn’t happen, but it had. And I’d made the promise just last
week. I’d cried out to God during my morning prayers, promising to do better,
to be more careful. This wasn’t the first time I’d confessed this weakness. I’d
wrestled with this temptation again and again.
What kind of a
person was I that I’d fall so easily back into the middle of temptation? My
repeated lapses made me wonder if I was even a believer.
Those were dark
days. But coming through them has given me confidence.
Not in
myself…never in me. But in God.
He was always
there to pick me up when I fell, always waiting to extend grace and give me
another go. I was the one who struggled with shame and condemnation. And that
condemnation NEVER came from Him.
Oh don’t get me
wrong. I know it hurt Him when I gave in to sin. But He didn’t return that hurt
with punishment. He returned it with patience, grace, and love. I discovered I
couldn’t out-sin His mercy.
Do I still
struggle? You better believe it. But I’m quicker to admit my failings, and less
willing to listen to the false guilt that comes for my enemy.
Satan lashes my
soul with guilt, but God extends infinite grace.
SO thankful for God's grace extended to all of us repeat offenders. And there's no "3 strikes--You're out!" clause either!
ReplyDeleteWhat I wrote this morning: The body and soul are so closely connected they catch each other's sickness. I must watch carefully where I'm walking. It's dangerous out there and the enemy is real - out to kill, steal and destroy: kill our faith, steal our joy and destroy our fellowship with Him. But God is faithful. The light of His love floods the deepest recesses of the yielded soul. The enemy is powerless there. So let us - yes, let us, walk in His light. Surely sin has no victory there.
ReplyDeleteRight on target, Edie. Shame is the first reaction when I do something I KNOW was wrong. But God's grace is bigger than that and when I do, He picks me up and says, "now, let's get back on track and try this again." I'm so glad He does.
ReplyDeleteThis is a good reminder how we need to show that grace, patience and live to others. I get to practice that with several in my life. Extend what is extended to us!
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