Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – October 9, 2018
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16
There are times in all of our lives when we make unwise choices. Perhaps we were unfaithful to our mate, took a job we regret, chose a career path we haven’t enjoyed, or haven’t parented our kids God’s way.
Looking at our mistakes or sins can be extremely painful, especially if we regret where our decisions have taken us. We may want to turn back the clock and choose differently. We may wrestle with regret and guilt, or even blame others to soothe our consciences.
Taking ownership of the choices we have made takes courage, but it can be especially difficult if you believe that there’s nothing good that will come from your decisions or if you believe, “I made my bed, now I have to lie in it.” Meaning, “I ruined that relationship; my relational life will never be blessed again.” Or, “I chose that horrible career path, nothing good can come from it.”
It’s normal to feel our sins or mistakes define us. But God has something different to say about the choices you have made. God can bring good out of anything. This is the power of God’s redemption and grace, and trusting in both will give you the courage you need to face your choices, even when they have been wrong.
“For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.’ And you forgave the guilt of my sin” (Psalm 32:4-5).
You don’t have to blame others for what happened or avoid admitting your faults. Instead, you can say, “Yes, I made that unwise choice. Yes, it was not God’s will for me. Yes, I sinned. But just as God made beauty come from the horror of the cross, He is making beauty out of all of my choices. I am forgiven. I am covered by His grace.”
When we accept responsibility for our choices and sins, not only can we receive God’s grace, but we can also learn from what happened. But if we refuse to face our faults and sins, we won’t learn, growth won’t happen and we won’t fully know the power of God’s redemption in our lives. Because God is always at work to bless and redeem, you can admit your mistakes and sins.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
Prayer
Lord, thank you that you are bringing good out of all the choices I have made. Help me to honestly face and confess my sins so that you can help me grow and I can experience the full power of your grace. Amen.
Application
Spend time quietly seeking the Lord, confess your sins, then thank Him that He is able to bring good out of even the wrong choices you have made.
Related Reading
Proverbs 28:13; Proverbs 16:18; Galatians 5:22-23
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When we accept responsibility for our choices, not only can we receive God’s grace, but we can also learn from them. #WisdomHunters #takeresponsibility
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