I'm thanking the Lord today for his amazing grace.
Last night, I had a sinful tantrum over some jars of stuff that got broken accidentally on the way in from the car to the house. I knew immediately that it was very stupid (actually the correct word is sinful) to be fuming over something so insignificant in the whole scheme of things. I'm thankful for God's always bringing just the hot water (trials) that bring out the tea in the bag of my heart so I can repent and change. I don't know about you all, but my very first reaction when money is involved in an accident, is to seize up with a fearful, "What if God doesn't provide THIS time?". I am always struck immediately then with the knowledge that, "Yes! He will provide and He's bringing this to show me my lack of trust in Him". That I'll not give into sinful first emotions and act on them is my prayer today. Perfect love definitely casts out fear. When I truly believe that God is totally in control of all the circumstances of my life, and that He loves me perfectly on top of all that, then I don't have to fear any circumstance, get uptight, upset, angry, or be disappointed. I'm thankful for being able to show my kids what it's like to be honest about my sin, to be able to go to Scripture to see exactly what the root sin issue was, and to ask forgiveness of God and them. My kids are so willing to forgive when I'm humble before them, and I know that God is, too. I'm so thankful that the Lord is continuing to deal with me, and help me to grow, while our children are still at home to see the power of God first-hand. I know that the Lord is faithfully at work in their hearts, as well, and that He knows exactly what they need in order to truly seek Him - even using my sinfulness in His whole plan. When God says in I Thessalonians 5:18, "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus", He means even thanking Him for sinful responses that show us our hearts and point us to the cross for forgiveness and repentance. What an Almighty God we serve!
Last night, I had a sinful tantrum over some jars of stuff that got broken accidentally on the way in from the car to the house. I knew immediately that it was very stupid (actually the correct word is sinful) to be fuming over something so insignificant in the whole scheme of things. I'm thankful for God's always bringing just the hot water (trials) that bring out the tea in the bag of my heart so I can repent and change. I don't know about you all, but my very first reaction when money is involved in an accident, is to seize up with a fearful, "What if God doesn't provide THIS time?". I am always struck immediately then with the knowledge that, "Yes! He will provide and He's bringing this to show me my lack of trust in Him". That I'll not give into sinful first emotions and act on them is my prayer today. Perfect love definitely casts out fear. When I truly believe that God is totally in control of all the circumstances of my life, and that He loves me perfectly on top of all that, then I don't have to fear any circumstance, get uptight, upset, angry, or be disappointed. I'm thankful for being able to show my kids what it's like to be honest about my sin, to be able to go to Scripture to see exactly what the root sin issue was, and to ask forgiveness of God and them. My kids are so willing to forgive when I'm humble before them, and I know that God is, too. I'm so thankful that the Lord is continuing to deal with me, and help me to grow, while our children are still at home to see the power of God first-hand. I know that the Lord is faithfully at work in their hearts, as well, and that He knows exactly what they need in order to truly seek Him - even using my sinfulness in His whole plan. When God says in I Thessalonians 5:18, "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus", He means even thanking Him for sinful responses that show us our hearts and point us to the cross for forgiveness and repentance. What an Almighty God we serve!
Amen, sister!! Your post encouraged me this evening!! God's grace is truly amazing! Love you!
ReplyDelete