-Mark 2:17
A few weeks ago I had a disastrous parenting moment. Absolutely awful. I ended up crying and apologizing to my kids who then cried also. It was not a pretty scene. My kids forgave me. Graciously.
But I didn't really forgive myself. I couldn't pick myself up and start over. I confessed my sin to God. I asked His forgiveness. But I was still burdened by guilt and feelings of failure.
Mr. Hippie swung in with a reminder...
You need to accept God's forgiveness. Accept His grace...
My spluttered buts were my answer.
I am so unworthy. I fail miserably. I don't deserve grace or forgiveness.
None of us do.
God doesn't extend grace because we deserve it, but because we don't. Grace is, by definition, undeserved.
God doesn't forgive me because I haven't failed. My failings and sin are the reason why I need forgiveness.
To forget God's grace robs Him of glory and me of joy.
Isn't that true?
When I am wallowing I am not taking advantage of what has been freely given. God is not glorified in that.
Grace is only appropriated by the humble, because only the humble realize they need it. I don't need grace when I have my junk in order. I need grace when my junk is hanging out all over the place.
Well, actually, I need grace in both situations. I just think I don't need it. And when I do need it, I am loathe to accept it. My pride is still there sputtering buts...
The sick, the sinners-they realize their need of Jesus Christ. If nothing else, this past month-month and a half, has made me realize how needy I am.
I'm a needy parent.
A needy wife.
A needy business owner.
A needy woman.
A needy Christian.
I have no boot straps left to pull myself up with.
Empty hands. Empty of resources. Empty of strength. Empty of solutions.
Empty hands held out. To The Giver.
The all-sufficient One.
The God of grace and glory.
The One waiting to bestow His boundless grace on this needy soul. Giving from the riches of His grace.
But He giveth more grace...He gives grace to the humble. James 4:6
