One morning, God stopped me in the middle of something (I thought) was very important and gave me a lesson in discipline. This is what happened:
I was studying my Bible to prepare a lesson for the Women’s Bible Study when the phone rang. The church secretary informed me that the room I had reserved for the Bible Study would not be available because someone else needed it.
What?! Are you kidding me? So what?
(Little did I know, the Lord was getting ready to take me down a completely different path than the one I was on.)
It was hard to continue preparing my Bible lesson when I so angry. I thought, They can’t just take my room! This is ridiculous! Who do they think they are? That’s not fair!
I knew my attitude was wrong, but I couldn’t help it. I felt justified.
Then a Scripture came to my mind.
“Above all else, guard your heart,” came the still small voice. (Proverbs 4:23)
Honestly, I didn’t really want to, but I listened. Then another Scripture came to my mind. “Do not think of yourselves more highly than you ought.” (Romans 12:3) and “Honor one another above yourselves.” (Romans 12:10)
Then, God said to me, “Forgive”.
“For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6:14-15)
As an act of my will, I forgave. But I still felt really annoyed. Then the Lord brought another Scripture to my mind. “See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up.” Hebrews 12:15
To forgive is a decision, but I knew that if I kept rehearsing this over and over in my mind, bitterness would take root. I needed God’s grace.
Thank God we can “Come boldly to the throne of grace … and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16
What is our time of need? It is when we are too weak to do something in our own strength. The Lord told Paul, “My grace is sufficient, …. for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
Hebrews 13:9 says, “It is good to be strengthened by God’s grace.”
Oh how we need to rely on God’s grace to serve Him!
“Let us have grace whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.” Hebrews 12:28 KJV
“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8
God was teaching me that I can easily justify a selfish attitude. But if I want others to see the love of God through me, I must walk in His ways.
It wasn’t the circumstances in question that were important. The real issue was – would I guard my heart? He taught me to rely on Him because His grace is sufficient.
If you need God’s grace today, go boldly to the Throne of Grace.
With Love,
This is My Journey Unscripted.
Click this link to learn more about Jesus: Who Is Jesus?
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Photo by Ryan Franco on Unsplash
All Scripture references are from the NIV unless otherwise noted.
Oh, ho! I sometimes deal with that exact issue in a weekly reading group I host. I love your response to God, and His faithfulness as you pursued Him. Good lessons.
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Thank you Kathy!
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“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
Hebrews 4:12 NIV
Thanks you SO MUCH for this message, I am blessed every time I visit your corner of blog space! Blessings in Christ 🙏😃
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Thank you for visiting! I am so glad you were blessed. And yes, the Word certainly does judge the thoughts and attitudes of the heart!
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I’m no stranger to flying off the handle! And it seems to have gotten worse in my old(er) age….
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Fortunately, the Lord doesn’t let us get away with it! Thanks for stopping by. Blessings!
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Great lesson. Love the baby picture! 😉
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Thanks Gail! Blessings!
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🙂
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Cindy, thanks for another great message. It was very timely for me. 🙂 I really appreciate your insights!
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Thank you Liz. I appreciate your encouragement! Blessings!
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Great post! I love the way you incorporated scripture so naturally throughout the story.
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Thank you, Lilly! I appreciate your encouragement and look forward to visiting your blog. Blessings!
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Great post Cindy. I heard not long ago a pastor from Georgia say these words about grace:
“God’s mercy KEEPS us until His GRACE teaches us”.
Really makes a lot of sense & quite powerful. Looks like His grace definitely ‘taught’ you something in this situtation. And thank you for the ‘like’. Blessings!
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Thank you, David. I appreciate your encouraging comment. Blessings!
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