Who receives His calling for service? Who does He anoint for His work? Who are His Chosen?
I often thought that I was not good enough to be chosen…… My life so full of sins and weaknesses. I’m not strong enough or good enough, I never can be. I didn’t live or lead the perfect life. I succumb(ed) easily to the storms, not standing resolute in the face of challenges.
Was I (am I) being molded instead of being forever broken? Did those losses and failures that I endured shape me to help others with similar trials? His power is made perfect in weakness. C.S. Lewis calls weakness a doorway….to awaken our faith and calling. “He is breaking you to build you.”
The pains that I endured are nothing compared to what He endured to save me though.
Those hurts that I went through and responded to poorly made me realize how much I truly needed Him and how much He truly loved me. God provided for me in all my seasons though I didn’t see it at the time. When I look back at my old journals, I see His answers to prayers and His help to me and others through the suffering. He is with us and His timing is perfect. Would I have this realization or great need for Him without the struggles?
I want to be able to openly share of my sufferings and failures to glorify His faithful love. I want to be vulnerable and open so much that I can generally speak of the pain without bitterness or blame and without dishonoring others…..in gratitude, sing praises of His saving grace and Holy Name. I see sin in the world (and in me) and can still be loving to others and myself, forgiving.. I know that what was done to me or what I did in response to adversity or selfishness can be forgiven by God and that I can help someone else in similar circumstances to see how worthy and loved they are, too.
Why forgiveness? The Gospel is very much about forgiveness and turning from sins. Is it (forgiveness) a way to much-needed peace and joy?
In Rick Warren’s book, The Purpose Driven Life, he explains that many people are reluctant to show mercy because they don’t understand the difference between trust and forgiveness. Warren explains, “If someone hurts you repeatedly, you are commanded by God to forgive them instantly, but you are not expected to trust them immediately, and you are not expected to continue allowing them to hurt you.” Nor are we to seek vengeance.
Good boundaries help us to keep out future hurts, boundaries around ourselves and others. Boundaries and forgiveness can go hand in hand. While we forgive, we put up boundaries to keep us safe as we learn whether or not to trust the other person. If trust or turning away from sinful behaviors is not evidenced, we can still forgive and love at a distance. Life is hard and confusing and we need Him to guide us through it all, even to the point of setting boundaries with others and for ourselves. The measuring tool to use related to boundaries is awareness and asking: Does it (the boundary) bring me peace?
Increasing spiritual activity as a boundary in life (reading the Bible, prayers, devotionals, journaling, Christ-following friends and mentors, faith-filled family) can help us in the storms of doubt, past hurts, unforgiveness, uncertainty, and imperfections and to live in peace as His chosen, “His ambassador of Love”. We are not alone, and He is always with us. We have the assurance of His Holy Spirit when we believe in Christ, His death on the cross, and His resurrection preparing for us an eternal home with Him. We have hope. And when we live with eternal hope, we can live in peace modeling His love and forgiveness in the world.
I want to be used by Him and believe in His victory in such a way that my belief influences others to live in victory over their circumstances. I want to deepen my connection with God. God wins in the end. I know this. Though I don’t hold or share my beliefs perfectly (He’s still honing me), I strive to share His light (i.e. love). I want to reflect His hope and peace for the weary and the downtrodden. God is good and He loves you and me.
Per the late Reverend Billy Graham: ““These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace” (John 16:33). To have peace, we must possess the Peace-Giver.” And, I want to be at peace with everyone (be anointed/Chosen and be in relationship with Jesus Christ, be His ambassador). What does peace mean in a world of sins and hurts? Are forgiveness and peace the same thing? How are they connected?
Reverend Graham spoke of peace: “The Bible says that sin has destroyed or seriously affected all … dimensions of peace. When man was created, he was at peace with God, with himself, and with others. But when he rebelled against God, man lost peace in every way. These dimensions of peace can be restored. Man cannot bring this about, but God certainly can, and has. Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, was sent into the world to take away our sins by His death on the cross, therefore making it possible for us to be at peace—at peace with God, at peace within ourselves, and at peace with each other. By His resurrection from the dead, Christ showed once and for all that God desires that all people know perfect peace. “For He Himself is our peace, … and He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near” (Ephesians 2:14-17). Christ provides the power to man to overcome every sin. He can break the ropes, fetters, and chains of sin; but each person must repent, confess, commit, and surrender to Christ first. Right now, it can be settled and man can know the peace, joy, and fellowship with God, with himself, and with others.”
Graham also encourages, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace” (John 16:33).
“But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14)
Happy Thanksgiving! Thank you, God, for your love and for choosing us as your people and thank you for your sacrifice upon the cross so we can be reconnected to you and have peace, even in times of trouble or sin in the world. God wins now and in the end. Praises!
flourishings.blog 