Ephesians
4:22-24
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put
off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful
desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put
on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and
holiness.
God gives second chances.
I am
overwhelmed with gratitude every day because I have a God who gives grace and
forgiveness. Growing up in church I learned a lot about the rules. Do this,
don't do that. In the midst of those teachings, I heard of God's love for me, but being a shy, quiet, rule follower, my focus stayed on right and wrong. I
thought if I did everything right, I'd earn my way to heaven. Boy was I wrong.
As a human, I didn't have the capability to live a perfect life.
As I grew
older, I experienced life. Some good, some bad. The more I learned about Jesus,
the more I realized I couldn't go through life focusing on rules. At times Satan
tried to push me away from the whole "religion" thing, but God
brought me to my knees. Not to punish me, but to remind me of his beautiful,
perfect grace.
You see, He
loves me unconditionally. Regardless of poor choices, doubts, or frustration, He
continues to wrap His arms around me and show His mercy. Once I turned my life,
my decisions, my actions, my everything over to Him, I understood. Granted I
need to be obedient, I must seek His will, and I have to stop and listen. I'm
not in this alone, I'm in this life with the One who created me. And guess
what? God wants me to succeed. He has plans for me and a future.
I'm
forgiven. Do I still mess up? Yep. But I hit my knees and ask for grace. I
praise God with thanksgiving for his Son who took my place and for the Holy
Spirit who guides me. I'm thankful for this precious second chance.
