Here is something I learned recently: It’s easy to write and/or talk about our
belief system, what our faith provides for us, what God’s forgiveness means to
us, what God’s grace can do for us and who we believe we are in Christ…. But,
in this fallen world, it isn’t that easy
to live it out.
I would hope that with the many years of learning about my
faith and growing in God’s word that I would have mastered a few things and
perhaps I have; however, in recent weeks I’ve discovered that one mistake can make
you question many things regarding your parenting, your ability to see truth, your
ability to be a light in this dark world, your ability to wait patiently, your
ability to walk in faith, your ability to speak up, rise up, to trust, endure, persevere, to forgive-others
and/or yourself.
Here is where I am coming from: With parental love I watched as my child was
disregarded, harassed and slighted for over a year! Her inner-strength was impressive but I could
barely take it. I cried out for God’s help. I stood silently and waited till I could not
wait any longer and suddenly salt water flowed from my mouth till it my words
were red, like blood. Sitting in the
after-math I longed for a guard for my mouth but it was too late. To be honest, what I said needed to be said
but my method was wrong. This mistake
didn’t seem rectifiable. With passion
for my child, I thought I was standing on righteousness (and in my heart I
truly was)…. but self-righteousness
never pays off and the pride of that
can easily grind on your heart till it’s raw with anger. Pain is the one thing you surely get when
your fleshly heart is hurt and your anger exposed.
A close friend graciously said to me “One moment does not define you”.
That was what my soul needed to hear but it seems there are times when
one single moment can make you doubt everything. Believe me when I say THAT is a scary
moment. Just as quickly as that salt
water flowed from my mouth God moved into action, as He ALWAYS does, and began
working in my life through circumstances.
Literally, within one day His words were piercing my heart with purpose
and truth. Here is the 1st
gracious scripture He comforted me with:
“Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many,
are forgiven-for she loved much.
But he who is forgiven little, loves little.”
Luke 7:47
are forgiven-for she loved much.
But he who is forgiven little, loves little.”
Luke 7:47
The next lesson God taught me is this: Secrets
Manifest! I was blown away at His on-point explanation to me. I was unaware that the bitterness I was
holding secret was going to manifest into such a mess. What a life-lesson! It’s worth repeating; secrets manifest! Who knew!
Scripture tells us not to let bitterness take root- for good
reason (Hebrews 12:15). But, bitterness
is slow growing and finds it’s roots in the repetitiveness we allow to remain in our lives. I had chosen to stand in the briars of
bitterness and loitered there waiting for fair play to turn up, but it never
did! To be honest, I had exposed myself
for too long to the root cause of my anger and I have to take responsibility for
that. (“Anyone who knows what he should
do and does not do it-sins”. James 4:17)
As a mature believer I needed a wake up call and God took
care of business. He shook the ground
where I stood and made me face down my bitterness and it was ugly. Once that salty bitterness spewed out of my
mouth He then said, “Repent and move on!”
Repentance is one thing…. repercussions are another! I was forced out into the
unknown bringing my child along with me.
This is a perfect example of how disregarding God’s Word can affect
those we love the most. Because I
justified my feelings and allowed bitterness to fester the very one I was
trying to stand up for was now adrift with me…but graciously God did not leave
me to my own demise. He provided
scripture to mend my heart and friends to soothe my soul. He has opened doors that offer freedom away
from the familiar bitter root that I planted, nourished and paid for with my
money, time and energy. Though I felt
the pain of its extraction I cherish the fact that my God cared enough to be
right there when I looked up again! As
far as my child goes-she is happy and looking forward to what the future
holds. God has truly blessed her with a
huge heart and tons of courage and for that I am eternally grateful!
Yes, the circumstances of my words and actions stand before
me…but My God does as well! It’s hard to
say, but I’m grateful for this life lesson and the priceless wisdom it
immediately ushered into my life. If we can take those moments that seem
devastating and learn from them then we’ve grown a great deal in God’s
eyes. With this hard-earned wisdom
tucked into our hearts and minds we will find the courage to rise again and
move on. Indeed, scripture states that
we should do so!
Scripture also says “The
old is gone -the new is here!” I can’t imagine a better phrase that graces us
with restoration. Many magnificent
events have been birthed from this statement. Indeed, God’s kingdom is filled
with believers who have been gifted with the understanding of these poetic and profound
words. I’m one of them!
RvH
In honor of my daughter, Ava, who's heart is as big as the sky
and your inner beauty simply captivating.
I'm blessed that God has shown me the best of myself
reflected in your soul! God is truly Merciful!
RELEVANT SCRIPTURES:
“See to it that no one misses the grace of God
and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.”
Hebrews 12:15
and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.”
Hebrews 12:15
“Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?
James 3: 11
“Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.”
Psalm 141:3
Psalm 141:3
“But I tell you that men will have to give account on the Day of Judgment
for every careless word they have spoken.
For by your words you will be acquitted and by your words you will be
condemned.”
Matthew 12: 36-37
“The righteous falls seven times and rises again.”
Proverbs 24:16
Proverbs 24:16
“Yet I am writing you a new command: its truth is seen in him and you,
because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining.”
1 John 2:8
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come;
the old has gone, the new is here.”
II Corinthians 5:17
Song Recommendation:
Not Backing Down
By: Blanca
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJVfmfqHWOI
Song Recommedation:
How can it Be?
By: Lauren Daigle
the old has gone, the new is here.”
II Corinthians 5:17
Song Recommendation:
Not Backing Down
By: Blanca
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJVfmfqHWOI
Song Recommedation:
How can it Be?
By: Lauren Daigle
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