“I’m not really a good person” she said.. A friend was on the receiving end of some encouraging words following an act of kindness towards another.  “I do love Jesus, but at times, my heart can be hard, ugly and not wanting to be kind.” 

I get it…her words resonated.  At times, I have found myself feeling similar…have you?

None of us long to live at this place, but sometimes we find ourselves there.

What can we do when we feel this way?  

It’s Not About Us

Enter in the beautiful truth of Isaiah 55:10-11 CSB, “For just as rain and snow fall from heaven and do not return there without saturating the earth and making it germinate and sprout, and providing seed to sow and food to eat, so my word that comes from my mouth will not return to me empty but it will accomplish what I please and will prosper in what I send it to do.”  

This may be well-known passage, but I wonder if its familiarity can downplay the life-giving encouragement it brings.  

What if we lay the truths of this passage over the grid of scripture, especially the passages that exhort us to live in a particular manner that might seem difficult or even impossible for us? 

All of a sudden our “list” of needed refinement looks different, seemingly doable and accomplishable through the power of the word and the work of the Holy Spirit.

Even When its Hard?

What about when we are attempting to love another?  

What about those who might be more difficult to love?

It can be hard, hurts flare, progress feels impossible.  

“And may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow with love for one another and for everyone.”  (1 Thessalonians 3:12a CSB)

We witness the kindness of Jesus as he transforms our hard feelings and thoughts into acts of grace.

The Lord…it is him…all him!

May we all breathe this truth deep into our souls!  

The Lord will not only source this love, but he will cause it to increase and abound.  

Yes, Lord, I want to live in this space!  

When it seems discouragement and despair is mounting in our days, we find comfort here:  

“The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, strengthen and support you after you have suffered a little while.” (1 Peter 5:10 CSB)  

The holding promise of him restoring us.  It is not about us having to muster up enough strength to redirect our day.   

Finding Purpose  

When it might be hard to find purpose in our day or we wonder is my life on hold as we “stay safe at home” in this pandemic? Truth reigns our thoughts back in and remind us otherwise.  

“But I consider my life of no value to myself; my purpose is to finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of God’s grace.” (Acts 20:24 CSB)

Yes, Lord, please!  

Anchor my heart to you…your will…your course and ministry.  

What might that look like today?

Just today…we are given grace for today, the moment…we cannot borrow any from tomorrow.

What is your ministry?

It may look like taking care of babies and cleaning up messes behind our kids, but nonetheless, God considers it a ministry…it has value and importance.  

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31 CSB)  

What we view as unimportant or even mundane can be an offering to the King of Kings, we can live our days for his glory.  And so our sweeping, caring, tending to our families becomes an opportunity for us to worship him.

It may be physically caring for COVID 19 patients. Many of you are on the front lines of this pandemic.  We are so appreciative of your sacrifice and servant’s heart!

Whatever it might be, God’s grace is radically displayed as we embrace his agenda, his “ministry” in our day.

What scriptures do you find yourself gravitating to?  What truths feel impossible but you long for their work to be accomplished?  May we rest in his work to do this in us…he has said it will be so.  

“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”  (Philippians 1:6 ESV)

“Lord, I believe, help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24 CSB)  Although the context is different, the truth remains.  

 May he enable us to walk our days well. He has already walked them, he is fully aware of what today holds, and yet he tenderly walks alongside.  How comforting this can be, even more as we walk this current COVID 19 pandemic.   He will not leave us…what an encouraging promise!

“The Lord is the one who will go before you.  He will be with you; he will not leave or abandon you.  Do not be afraid or discouraged.”  (Deuteronomy 31:8 CSB)

I would encourage you, to grab a couple of index cards and write down a few scriptures that you desire the Lord to engrain and work into your heart and mind.  

“Humbly receive the implanted word which is able to save your souls.” (James 1:21b CSB)

His word will accomplish his desired work…what a hope!  It has nothing to do with our “trying harder.”  

How beautiful it is that our progress is not about us, but rather for his glory.  

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16 CSB)

May he allow us to rest in his word and work, trusting what he says, believing him to do “above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us.” (Ephesians 3:20 CSB) as we bring even our shortcomings to him.  Blessings!

** My friend, Sarah Hines has designed a beautiful resource for us. Please look for it this coming Friday, April 24th.  We pray it serves as a great encouragement as we refresh our minds in his word, resting in his ability to work in us.