Then, in the quiet still moments (very few of those), I am reminded by the Lord of my mistakes, my annoyances, my downfalls. Oh what sad moments those are!! Sometimes downright embarrassing!! I am then reminded ever so gently by the Lord of HIS grace. How many times I have ignored the Lord and HIS call, how many times I have chosen my desires over what the LORD's will, and how each and every time HE is gracious to forgive me. I am reminded of how this awful and embarrassing weakness to sin and temptation in life is actually our starting point of true growth. "Each time he said, "My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me.(2Corin 12:9)" God can actually START working through us when we recognize our sin and our weakness to avoid it, repent of it, and submit to the the LORD, & stop trying to overcome all on our own.
When we start to remember HIS forgiveness always comes with ease; never needing to earn it, then we will begin to learn, grow, and share this incredible grace with others.
Here comes my conviction.... Am I quick to forgive and share grace? No, I am more harboring...windering why they act the way they do (i think i forget they are kids!) Sometimes I forget that they too were born sinners. Their little spirits will also be tried, tempted, and tested. Without our generous gift of grace, what will encourage them to strive to improve? Micah 7:18 says "Where is another God like you, who pardons the sins of the survivors among his people? You cannot stay angry with your people forever, because you delight in showing mercy." Not only does our God pardon our sins, HE is delighted by giving us this grace!! Once we recognize this amazing grace, we will give it generously.
So next time you are making a rash punishment, judgement, or react to quickly, remember our FATHER and HIS trip to the cross, and how HIS love and GRACE were all that helped HIM endure, and that HIS grace never changes!!
Praying for your heart to be filled with grace!
