For a while now I have felt like my head is in the sand. As much as I want to have my head in the clouds I can not seem to get my head out of the mire and muck of this world. Consumed by constant affliction, wondering at times how my actions can be glorifying to God. Caught up in the "why me Lord" instead of the "thank You Jesus".
Have you ever been there?
The Lord has spoken to me just recently. He has spoke to me about how all that transpires in my life, all that He allows is growing me in grace. When I think of grace I often think of Christ and the richness of His love for me as He gave Himself as a ransom on my behalf to cover my multitudes of sin with His innocent blood. (Ephesians 2:5)
In that precious moment I see the truth. I may never be able to climb upon a cross and be crucified for another. But what I can do is die to myself. With every insult and hardened heart that crosses my path I can choose to love and forgive. Seeking to show grace rather that wrath. Allowing others to see me attempt to love as Jesus loves and pointing to Him as my Heavenly example. After all He is my strength (Philippians 4:13).
The road of life appears filled with endless hills and valleys at times, my body aches at the wounds this life often creates. Yet it is in those times of reflection with my Heavenly Father I realize. These are the moments when the crowd is watching me. Taunting me the enemy desires to have me to fail, to give up and quit trying. Yet the Lord picks me up and says, "now is your chance, show them ME!" "Show them grace until they can not help but see ME in you." Tear filled eyes I cry to my Papa "I can not do it!" HE reminds me He never asked me to. For with out Him nothing I do can be worthy of His glory. (Psalm 115: 1)
That is the amazing part. We give Him glory because it is HIM working through us. Do you understand that as you grow in grace... you are ultimately growing into obedience to accept that which you can not understand. The things that hurt the most, test your faith and bring you to your knees. It is when you make the choice to die to bitterness and choose instead to forgive that HE smiles and says... "well done my child, you are truly growing into MY grace".
"For all [these] things are [taking place] for your sake, so that the more grace (divine favor and spiritual blessing) extends to more and more people and multiplies through the many, the more thanksgiving may increase [and redound] to the glory of God." 2 Corinthians 4: 15
