I was 14 when God first got a hold of my life…..and boy did He clean house! By the time I graduated Community College, I thought for sure I had peaked and there was nothing left for my future. I had lived a full, rich life for God and loved every minute of it! Surely it could not get any better….surely there was nothing more I could offer the Lord. I was trying to live a life of impossible standards, and even more impossible expectations. I felt I had nothing to look forward to, that anything good I had to offer had been used up. Have you ever felt like your sin was overwhelming? Like you have nothing to offer? Like your best will never be good enough? You might expect me to talk about how I realized I was wrong and I do have something great to offer….but what I have learned…is that I was right…..but that’s OK! I felt awful inside, because I am awful inside! Now before you freak out and start thinking I have self esteem problems….hear me out :0) I am a precious jewel to the Lord! I am His princess….His prize! And so are you! But I am also a daughter of eve….and that means that sin has infiltrated my life from the start. But the best news of all….is that God loves me (and you) so much that He planned for that even before time began! Now, I am in great company….I am in company with men and women of honor and valor, deserving of the high praise of man. I am also in great company with the unsung, the unknown, the discounted and downtrodden. We are all guilty sinners….and we all NEED the precious blood of Christ. The Bible says that even our very best gift…..is like a filthy rag (and if you look it up in the original language….calling it a rag is putting it politely). But its His blood that covers us, and makes us righteous! We are righteous and good…but not because of our own merit…because of our Savior. What great news! It’s not about me! The great things in store for my life are not based on me! What I have to offer you….is not based on me!! So when I fail….and I have…and do…and will….I know I have not ruined something big God was trying to do. He can use my failure, and cover it, and make something beautiful. Paul cautions us….should we let grace be an excuse to sin? May it never be! This grace I have received throws me deeper into the arms of my King. The one who finds me righteous and calls me to live a life that reflects the change He has made in my heart. Anything good in me, or in my life is a result of His good work in my heart. It’s about Him….all about Him! And its making me better each day there is less of me :0)
