“Loving and serving God is a learned art—with many failures along the way.” Jill BriscoeI was asked to speak at a women’s retreat sponsored by my church. I knew the topic intimately; I had lived it for many years. I wanted so much for others to learn from my mistakes that I went into too much detail…and went way over the time I was asked to speak. This is the cardinal sin of public speaking.
Although many people came up to me later and expressed how much they enjoyed my message, it didn’t alter the fact that I should have arranged my talk to stay within the time limit. I was upset with myself and felt the disappointment from the retreat organizers as they scrambled to get their schedule back on track. Despite the fact that I apologized to the organizers (more than once), years passed where I didn’t even think about volunteering within the women’s ministry. I was certain they would not want to have anything to do with my self-important spirit that couldn’t even keep to a simple time allotment. I wanted to serve in ministry within my own church, but believed I’d spoiled all chances for the future. One day I prayed, “Lord, I want to put this incident behind me. If You want me to be involved in ministry here, have them approach me.” Some time later the pastor’s wife asked me to join the women’s council. I praised God, thanked her, and was finally able to believe I was forgiven. I later learned the women’s council held no bad feelings about my talk years earlier. I held the guilt long after they had forgotten the incident. Just think of all the time when my heart was yearning to serve yet I sat on the sidelines, burdened with guilt and shame. Who am I to label my fault unforgivable? God had forgiven me when I asked for forgiveness years earlier. Even the women’s council had forgiven and forgotten. It was only me that held the guilt over my head. In this state of shame I was paralyzed for further service. As the old saying goes, “God can’t steer a parked car.” Yet, once I learned to forgive myself I was again spiritually available…available to be directed to serve God and His people. Is there something in your past that still holds guilt over your head? Are you hindered by the shame of a past behavior that you believe is unforgivable, or unforgettable? Will you talk to God today, asking Him to help you forgive yourself? Lord, forgive me for thinking there is something I can do that is so terrible the blood of Your Son is not enough. Jesus, thank You for paying the price so that I can be forgiven; help me to learn to forgive myself quickly and feel the freedom of Your mercy. Amen “Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through Him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses.” Acts 13:38-39 What are your thoughts? Libby Note: Jill Briscoe (1935- ), is a British-Americas author, editor, and speaker who has written or co-written over 40 books. She is the founder and Executive Editor of Just Between Us magazine, and on the board of directors for World Relief and Christianity Today. Today she lives in Brookfield, Wisconsin.
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WelcomeI love the wisdom of the ages gleaned from relevant quotes. In them there is a connection to the human experience that crosses all borders. Join me as I relate my personal experiences, and link the wisdom of the quote to the Source of all wisdom: God's Word, the Bible. Enjoy, Libby Categories
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