Lord, Change . . . Me
"People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart." Proverbs 21:2
"Lord, if you would just change so-and-so, all would be right with the world (my world)."
Have you ever said something like that?
I've said it more times than I can count, but I've started to notice something. The person God usually changes as a result of that prayer is me.
It always comes as quite a surprise because I've typically got the criminal perpetrator caught red-handed, cold busted, right where I want them.
It's their fault. Always. I can prove it.
I'm such a Jonah that I want to see it rain fire and brimstone on them. They deserve it. They'll never change. It's retribution time! I've got my front row seat and I'm ready for the show! Meanwhile, a worm has been eating the roof over that front row seat (Jonah 4:5-11).
Have you ever experienced that?
Romans 2:4 says, "Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?"
"Lord, if you would just change so-and-so, all would be right with the world (my world)."
Have you ever said something like that?
I've said it more times than I can count, but I've started to notice something. The person God usually changes as a result of that prayer is me.
It always comes as quite a surprise because I've typically got the criminal perpetrator caught red-handed, cold busted, right where I want them.
It's their fault. Always. I can prove it.
I'm such a Jonah that I want to see it rain fire and brimstone on them. They deserve it. They'll never change. It's retribution time! I've got my front row seat and I'm ready for the show! Meanwhile, a worm has been eating the roof over that front row seat (Jonah 4:5-11).
Have you ever experienced that?
As the Lord lovingly refines me, He softens my heart. He gently pries the sledgehammer from my fingers and puts it back in my purse. I begin to see the sins of others much differently. I no longer want them punished because I am reminded of my own sin. Today's sin. I am reminded of how Christ lovingly forgives me. Every. Single. Day.
My heart breaks for the wrong choices others make just like God's heart breaks for mine.
2 Peter 3:9 tells us, "The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent."
It is God's desire for everyone to repent and find real joy in Him.
It is the goodness of God that leads us all to repentance.
Thank you, Lord, for continuing to forgive my many sins and showing me the log in my own eye. Help me to love like You do. Help me to show mercy and grace like You do. Help me to proclaim the truth. Like. You. Do.
Lord. Change. Me.
Goodnight, Runners.
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