I had no idea how much change could or would take place.
When I decided to allow Jesus to be Lord of my life, nothing dramatic happened overnight. Let’s just say my view and understanding of God changed. Like Jacob, who wrestled with God and walked away with a permanent limp, I have a few bumps and bruises that remind me of my thirty-five-year-old decision. Make no mistake, struggling or wrestling with God is all part of our human condition—instigated by wanting to have our way. In the conflict, we learn either to trust Him or to fight Him.
Not long after Jesus came into my heart, I saw my shortcomings as never before: judgmental, quick-tempered, unforgiving. After an encounter with a loved one and holding a grudge for a long time, my sweet husband looked at me one day with sadness in his eyes and said, “You are not the person I fell in love with!” His words cut deeply to the core of my problem.
Tears poured down my face. Alone with God, I asked Him to show me how to forgive as He forgives. I couldn’t do it on my own. A few days later, I went to the person with whom I had an issue. I didn’t express my forgiveness for their offense but asked them to please forgive me for mine.
Only God can transform us from the inside out. The only action required is a willingness to be changed. Then, He does the rest. We are a work in progress, but transformation through cooperation is a great place to start.
Let God begin His work of transformation in you today.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
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If the citizenry of the United States read this devotional on forgiveness, what far-reaching effects it would have on our nation.