Speaking Out!
16 Apr 2010 Leave a Comment
in The Growth of Wisdom Tags: birthright, Christian, forgiveness, freedom, new life, praise, prodigal, redemption, repentance
“Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out!” Psalm 107:2a, NLT
Today, I came across this verse that I had previously highlighted and had to take a moment to speak out!
I have always been one to too easily disregard my blessings and focus on lack. How arrogant! What exactly do I think I deserve? In trying to make myself “happy” in the ways of those in the world around me, I gave up the most precious gifts – and was miserable. Born again at the age of six, I sold my birthright when I “grew up.” Like Esau, I chose to look no further than what might satisfy me for the moment. Like the prodigal son, I did not want to wait for good things. Too impatient to wait for the home being prepared for me, I ended up in a pigsty. I was too lazy to run the race unencumbered (Hebrews 12:1), and too selfish to seek the good works He’d wanted me to accomplish (Ephesians 2:10).
But God, in His great mercy, did not turn His back on me as I had on Him. I always had a choice. And when I finally humbled myself enough to accept that I needed Him and that His ways are best, He lovingly picked me back up and began washing away the muck.
He has given me a life worth living, and for that I am truly grateful. And I get to spend eternity in an intimate relationship with the Creator of the Universe!
And so can you.
First, you have to admit that you are a sinner and cannot make atonement for your inability to live up to God’s law. It’s ok to admit; you’re no worse than the rest of us. But in the light of His holiness, does the darkness of your own heart and the depth of the sin you cherish in it, break your heart? If it does, that’s wonderful! You know that the past and your desire to control your own life are not worth holding onto. Lay it all at His feet and let Him transform your broken pieces into the masterpiece He had in mind from the beginning. Accept His forgiveness and Lordship, and begin to live a life that you could not even have imagined.
If there is anything holding you back, trust me, it’s not worth it!
Scripture
“This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:22-24. NIV).
