You know the way it goes, you’re looking through the old yearbook, flipping the pages of the family album, or read an article online/in the newspaper when it all comes rushing back. Yup, the embarrassing, sordid details of your past. The mistakes which began to look like besetting sins or at the very best, as though you failed to learn. Next thing you know, you’re beginning to wonder why God would see anything worthwhile in your life. For even now you seem to be repeating the same stuff.
In fact, you’re having a faith crisis subsequent to seeing the limited growth you have experienced spiritually. The Accuser of our Souls doesn’t even have to make great effort, for you’ve got the recriminations covered all by YOUR Pity Party self. You’re trying to figure out your next steps, silence.
And then
A whisper, almost indistinct initially, but stronger and more concrete, surges upwards in your heart.
You are not the sum of your mistakes, rather you are the product of who I’ve called you to be. And ever since you chose to give total control to Me, I see you differently. What if you were to see yourself through My eyes? Do you think you could love the you who I love? I’m looking beyond the outside to focus on My Beloved Son who LIVES within. When you allow Christ precedence, you will find that crucifying self becomes increasingly simpler. For rather than focus on you, you’ll focus on me and where I’d wish you to be.
And, this time you hear. You hear and act. Soon you find that truly, loving in the mortal shell is about living for him who first loved you. The past has not disappeared. But it no longer defines who you are, it reminds you of the extent of God’s Love which reached beyond your mess to call you God’s own. Truly it’s no longer you who live, but Christ in you.
And just like that, you remember the sweet assurance and speak to yourself saying:
My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Galatians 2:20 NLT
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
