A few days ago while I was drying my hair (because this is one of the few times no one will seek me out and ask me for snacks or if they can purchase a new app), I was contemplating a few ways I had recently been falling short.
Ways I had been missing the mark.
Sneaky stuff no one sees or knows about because it’s so internal it’s just between God and me. Stuff like pride. Jealousy. Entitlement. It makes me nauseous to even type these words.
Then it occurred to me that there was once a time when those missed marks wouldn’t have even fazed me.
The further up and further-in I go in this journey of faith, the more aware I become of how so very much in need of a Savior I really am. I see how very broken I am in so many ways.
But then . . .
Lest we not forget how far we’ve come.
I think it’s Joyce Meyer who said “I’m not the woman I want to be but thank God I’m not the woman I used to be.”
Amen, sister.
I don’t know about you but when I look back to who I was when I started this journey and compare that woman to this woman, there’s a radical difference.
I still have so far to go but I’ve already started walking.
The thing is . . . When I think of my three babies, those little humans for whom I would give my life, I look at how far they’ve come. I see how God is working in all three of them. I watch them grow and learn and it is truly an honor to watch it happen because I’m witnessing transformation.
Sure, all three of them have “stuff” that makes them imperfect.
But when I think of them, I think of the beauty of them, of how far they’ve come and how far they will go.
Don’t you think this is what our Heavenly Father sees too?
So if you’re like me and you find yourself thinking about the ways you’re missing the mark, how about you think back to the girl/woman you once were? I bet you’ll see beautiful, imperfect progress.
There’s such a difference between holy conviction and evil condemnation. Confusing these two is a detriment.
Holy conviction is from the Holy Spirit. It’s that restlessness we feel when we know we’ve done something wrong. It’s always, always done through the gentle staff of the Good Shepherd, reminding us to get back on the right path.
But unfortunately, evil condemnation is the voice so many of us hear the loudest.
We forget that there’s no condemnation in Christ Jesus. Never. Ever. Ever.
The next time you start to hear the evil condemnation voice, tell it to go where the sun doesn’t shine and then ask God to help you see who you truly are.
Because trust me, sister . . . He’s looking at how far you’ve come. And He’s so excited about how far you’re going to go.
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. – 2 Peter 3:9
Such a great post this morning!! Just the encouragement I needed this morning :) I am currently addressing the resentment in my heart from my past and the experiences that left so much hurt. Reliving it in my mind and trying to get through it is painful, but I know it will result in a cleaner heart and better relationship with Him. Thank you so much for these words…I’m happy I am the person now versus the girl I was a year ago!
Yes, Jessi, healing is tough work. I really think that’s why so many people avoid it – it’s just messy and painful and so NOT FUN. Keep at it, girl. You’ll bear more fruit in the end. <3
This post really encouraged me this morning Natalie. Thank you!
You are quite welcome, Barbie! Thank you for reading and commenting, sweet sister!