That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day.
2 Corinthians 4:16 New Living Translation
I thank God for second, third, fourth and one million chances! Particularly in the area of my patience. I have not always been the most patient person. I think fast food takes too long and take outs should be free after 20 not 30 minutes.
In fact, I steamroll ahead. It is difficult to slow down long enough to have the deep conversations I would like to have or take the time to respond to the hard questions. But I am trying to do better. I am trying to be better.
Haven’t you ever said that to yourself about an issue you cannot seem to break away from? I’m trying to do better. While the folks around you are hoping we would try a little harder, you know you are giving it everything you got – even if it doesn’t look like it.
For the most part I give myself the benefit of the doubt. You probably do it too. Especially because you know God is always changing us and transforming us into people who emulate the characteristics of Jesus. So, despite all my impatience, imperfections and more, God takes the long view with us. Thank goodness for that!
Have you ever noticed how easy it is to give yourself grace but it’s a lot harder to give it to someone else who we don’t think is changing fast enough? There it goes again…my impatience rearing its ugly head.
What if we gave others the benefit of the doubt, we are quick to extend to ourselves? I have experienced the snubs or the comments which cause me to feel inferior. But what if I remembered they are possibly a work in progress too? What if they’re still in the process of becoming? They’re probably just as insecure as we are and just made the same kind of mistake, we make all the time.
Just like I am growing out of impatience or perhaps you are outgrowing your unkindness, dogmatic or pretentious characteristics, other people may be changing too. Give them a little grace while it happens. Rather than come down hard on how others treat you or function, celebrate how far they’ve come. It could have been worse!
When I look at the world around me, it is easy to get overwhelmed and discouraged. When it happens, I am grateful to take the moment to remember God is renewing me. He is consistently at work in my life, smoothing out my jagged edges or softening my speaking tone or adjusting my resting “bitch” face into a smile. It is tough!
I am reminded of one of my favorite new oxfords I purchased during the pandemic. The sole was so firm, and the leather was hard against my skin. When I slipped them on the first time, though they were the right size, they were painful. It was unbearable to wear them for long periods of time. In fact, I believed it was a manufacturing error and the sizes were miscalculated. I questioned whether, I had purchased them one size too small. I was getting blisters on my heels and toes. The truth was I had not used them. I had not walked in them. I did not give the shoe a chance to form to my feet. At the first signs of pain and discomfort, I was ready to second guess my decision to buy them and toss them aside because they might not have been the right shoes for me. But over time, the shoes began to stretch and accommodate the shape of my feet. The leather became more pliable. The sole more flexible. Even the color of the leather changed. Before my eyes time and effort created brand new shoes. Today, they are my favorite walking shoes and I have certainly walked miles in them.
This walk with Christ is tough. The path destined to living a life of reverence and obedience to His Word seems unmovable and rigid. If we are honest with ourselves, we are expecting an instant transformation. But it doesn’t work like that. Like those shoes, Christ is breaking us in. We may even doubt that Christ is with you through those impossible times in your life. We question Christ’s being and second guess our faith. But He is ever-present fighting your battles and making right your wrong decisions. While the trials of life are wearing you down, God has gifted you with the Holy Spirit who acts as your advocate. The Holy Spirit, who is ever knowing of how to soften the toughness and smooth the edges of your life. Before long, you won’t even remember the hardness of your past. Instead, you will be mindful (and grateful) for the many chances to be renewed in your faith. Before long, you will be a brand new you.
…now what, Linda
now what, Linda? 