Sweet Mercy & Grace
If I were to try to number all the sin in my past, I would probably lock up my computer. I honestly can’t remember all my stupid stuff, but I still remember a lot. The Lord has forgiven me so very much. He has not only forgiven me of much, but He has blessed me greatly. When I come to terms with how big and how deep His forgiveness goes, I’m so very humbled. I am not a good obedient child of God way too much. His mercy and His grace are surreal! He is relentless in His pursuit of my heart. I’m still learning what surrender of my heart means.
The people of Israel, The Lord’s Chosen – rebelled many times over. He punished them. He exiled them. He rebuked them. He restored them. Check this out….
41 I will accept you as fragrant incense when I bring you out from the nations and gather you from the countries where you have been scattered, and I will be proved holy through you in the sight of the nations. 42 Then you will know that I am the Lord, when I bring you into the land of Israel, the land I had sworn with uplifted hand to give to your ancestors. 43 There you will remember your conduct and all the actions by which you have defiled yourselves, and you will loathe yourselves for all the evil you have done. 44 You will know that I am the Lord, when I deal with you for my name’s sake and not according to your evil ways and your corrupt practices, you people of Israel, declares the Sovereign Lord.”’ (Ezekiel 20:41-44 NIV)
The mercy and grace of God is unlimited in supply. I don’t understand it even though I’m a huge recipient of it. Since receiving this level of forgiveness, I’m learning to practice forgiveness on a much larger scale. I still have a good memory of those who’ve hurt me, but I’ve chosen not to retaliate or to seek vengeance. The Lord has really changed my heart in this area. There was a time not too long ago, that I wanted a piece of those who hurt me or hurt those I love. I’m learning that to extend forgiveness, mercy and grace to those who hurt me, actually ends up blessing my heart. I also feel like my heart is more like Gods as I learn to forgive.
Pressing On!
Dwayne