While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Not when we cleaned up our act, became perfect-acting christians and suddenly became "worth" dying for. No. He thought we were worth saving, and dying for, even clothed in sin.
When we fail Him now, even after coming to know Him, He stands by at every moment ready to reconcile a relationship with us. He is the perfect picture of Long-Suffering. Even when we have done wrong, he stands ready, poised, to reconcile himself to us at the mere mention of his name and repentant prayer.
How I have failed Him! Time and time again! On a daily basis! And the forgiveness He has extended to us, He expects of us! The guilt of knowing I have not been long-suffering to those in my life! Using the emotional pain or heartache I've experienced as an excuse to close the door and walk away?
My prayer for quite some time has been than the Lord create in me a clean heart, and renew a right spirit in me. Not MY spirit, and MY nature, but HIS. Let me be willing, ready, open and accepting -- and Trust God and His protection from future pain and heartache. The more I dive into Him and His Word, the more I realize how much more needs to be purged. Does this realization mean I won't mess up? No. I'm human. Is that an excuse to mess up? No. I strive for perfection. As I seek my perfector, and pray the mind of Christ, it is my hope that a holy transformation take place.
He is the One who created us, the One who died for us, and the ONE who has called us 'for a purpose.'
“Take with me your share of hardship [passing through the difficulties which you are called to endure], like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier in active service gets entangled in the [ordinary business] affairs of civilian life; [he avoids them] so that he may please the one who enlisted him to serve. And if anyone competes as an athlete [in competitive games], he is not crowned [with the wreath of victory] unless he competes according to the rules. The hard-working farmer [who labors to produce crops] ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops.”
2 TIMOTHY 2:3-6 AMP
It is our purpose to fulfill the calling Christ has laid upon our lives, even if that means enduring hardships. We cannot become entangled by the cares of this word and lose sight of that purpose! We must abide by His Word, and be producers of the FRUIT of the Spirit! If I'm not bearing fruit, will I not be cut off, to be shaken away like the chaff in the wind? If I am of the Vine, won't I produce the right fruit?
I've got to become and remain attached to the Vine, blameless, and bearing Fruit, and flowing with living waters of obedience... because when I'm walking in obedience, and continue to hunger and thirst after His righteousness, He is all My soul needs, it is satisfied!
God is so forgiving, but the carnal mind doesn't forget. We continue to remind ourselves of past failures... and in the rare moments that we actually are able to put it behind us, others may bring up our short-comings or moments of flesh-flare ups.
"Instead of being crushed under the the weight of the words of those who misunderstand us or want to purposefully discourage us, let's remind ourselves of this truth over and over: "God himself holds our calling. Not people. Not circumstances."" -Amy Carroll
He has called us for a purpose.
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Jeremiah 29:11 KJV
He is fighting FOR us. And HE is what I seek after.
Jesus, you're my One Desire. ❤️ And even when I am most undeserving, You desire a relationship with me.
-pw 3/23/17
(Pictures originally posted Proverbs 31 Ministries.)
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