Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.17 Now to the King eternal, immortal,invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Timothy 1:15-17 (NIV)
Oh how happy I am that Jesus would save even me! Have you broken every commandment? I have. Have done something you thought Jesus could never forgive? I have. But here it is: the guy who was responsible for killing and imprisoning lots of Believers – and Jesus picked him out, threw him on the ground, and had a “Come to Me (Jesus)” moment. Now that is a witness that I can hear and believe. And that’s the very reason God did it.
God loves me. God loves me. God loves me. Am I beginning to understand?!! God, Creator of the Universe, everything from rocks to diamonds, clouds to fog, ants to Orca whales, is my Father and loves me, His child. And if I do not understand what unconditional love is, God has given His Word and so many witnesses to spell it out to me. I can read about so many fallible people between the first page of Genesis and the last page of Revelation who were “wretched” like me.
How does God do it? Well, He is God so I’m not quite sure except I know He does because He has proven it over and over to me. When I forget, God shows me the story of David or He taps someone on the shoulder who calls me or writes me or tags me on FaceBook and shares their story.
And if you are having a day or a week or a month when it just seems your are slogging day after day through the mud of despair, then try this (Come on, what can it hurt?): Father God, I am having a rough time. [feel free to give Him the details here – I do!] I am so far down that I can see the underbelly of a possum. I am tired of trying. Help me, LORD! I am going to take a step of faith and thank you now for the encouragement you are going to send my way. I am going to thank you now that next Monday will be better than today. I am praying this in Jesus’ name and with His strength and faith. Amen.
Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) written & sung by Chris Tomlin
