The other day, I received some news that seemingly gave me my wish, yet how the news was delivered was so abrasive it took its joy. I ran to my favorite coping mechanism, shut down, and woe is me. Although I did visit both shutdown and woe, I am happy to write it was a short visit. I then turn to my new coping mechanism prayer. The truth of knowing Christ is what allowed me the wisdom to turn to Him and cut my visit short. I was then able to refocus on the blessing despite the delivery. God heard me, and He reached down and rescued me. He gave me the strength to pull myself together and then I encouraged someone else. This was truly a but God moment.
Later that day, I received an unexpected phone call that allowed me the opportunity to remind someone else about the mercy, grace, and goodness of God. Because of God’s grace, I was able to point this person back to Christ for their hope. I love the way God loves me; he will use past things to heal me and comfort others. Truth is we are created to be interdependent on each other, and a large part of that is acceptance. In life, there are healthy and unhealthy options, and acceptance is no exception to the rule. 1 Samuel 15:24 gives a picture of unhealthy acceptance. It states, “Then Saul said to Samuel, I have sinned. I violated the Lords’ command and your instructions. I was afraid of the men, and so I gave in to them.” We have all faced crossroads where we know what God’s position is, but we want to fit in. And on many occasions, we have chosen the crowd. Thank God for grace, mercy, and forgiveness. An example of healthy acceptance is displayed in Joshua 24:15 “But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourself this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates or the gods of Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” We can believe and still want to be accepted because that is human nature and thank God. We have a loving Father that will not condemn us but correct us. He will always create a way for us to get back to Him just like He did with the cross, the ultimate display of love. So, what do you do? Be honest with yourself and stand in the truth of your decision. Without truth, no healing can begin. Without truth, there is no road to God. Truth is where redemption lives. Truth is the choice to follow Christ. Truth is radical and life-changing; truth will interrupt your current situation and change your direction. The revelation that we all need Christ every day in every way is a good place to start. Real repentance starts with truth, and then Psalm 119:45 can come alive in your life. It states, “I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.” Do not be so religious that you will not allow God to work in your life to bring about true freedom and joy.
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