Step/Week 1, Day 2 – Denial and Powerlessness: Failures from the Past
May 6, 2020 2540
“Since we have a huge crowd of men of faith watching us from the grandstands, let us strip off anything that holds us back, especially those sins that wrap themselves so tightly around our feet and trip us up; and let us run with patience the particular race that God has set before us” (Heb. 12:1, TLB).
God has a unique plan for our lives. A plan that is good and keeps us in the freedom He wants us to share. Too many of us see God as a punishing dictator who judges us all based on His specific performance criteria. Is this who God really is or is it who we have been told that He is?
I was surprised to come into the light from the darkness I was living in, to find that it was not God who kept me in the dark, but it was me! I believe that sin is its own punishment and when I look at my past through this lens, I can see clearly that I was the jailer of my own prison. It was my highly critical perception of myself and others that kept me blind to the truth of God’s wonderful freedom.
I realised that all I had to do was to make a choice to turn on the light, God’s light. God wasn’t keeping me in the dark, I was. It was comfortable in the dark because no one could see me, especially myself, but you know what: God sees all, even in the dark. I totally lost my identity in the judgement of myself and others so much so that I didn’t want to live anymore. That was a terrible situation to be in and it wasn’t God’s plan for my life.
So, what was the remedy? Well, all I had to do was make a decision to turn on the light and let God’s light illuminate my life. To be willing to recognize my sins and let God forgive me, as I patiently walk the path that God has marked out for me. A path that will lead to recovery. God never wastes a hurt, ever.
– Graham Hood
Personal Reflection: Can you identify a past failure that makes you cringe? If so, give it to God and let His light shine on it and receive His love that He has for you. Be patient; God is at work in your life. Trust Him!
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