This Monday came on like a Sunday, mainly because I was down with a monster headache ALL day yesterday. So, I wasn't thinking about blogging this morning- until I saw Ruth post on Facebook about it. Ooops- I'm a little behind today!
A friend from church left a simple comment on my status update today that got me to thinking about a major incident in my past. Which brought the old adage "Hindsight is 20/20" to mind. That's when I realized what I was going to post about today- grace can be found in learning from the past.
It reminds me that when we look back at past incidents that have taken place in our lives, we can either grow or not from each potential lesson that God gives us. And not only at the time it occurs. When we look back after the fact, we can see each lesson in a different light, from a changed perspective, and still learn from what happened.
I had a very difficult time in my life- already Christian, barely 21. In the midst of the darkest part of it, I called out to God, and received no answer. So, I made the wrong decision, and caused myself and my family a lot of pain. It took me just over 10 years to realize what I needed to do to heal from that incident, and exactly what God was trying to show me.
Now, I can apply that lesson learned to so many areas of my life- how to help others deal with similar problems, to stop and pray but realize that God won't answer immediately all the time, to know that my feelings cannot be the barometer of the situation, to count the blessings I have everyday, but most of all to see that God is willing to forgive me for holding a grudge against him for even a decade. Because that is grace at its finest...that no matter how dumb to God's love we are at times, He's patiently loving and forgiving us all the while.
This post is part of Grace Laced Mondays.
5 comments:
it's true. what a joy it is to realize that He is always there with us on our journey, teaching us, guiding us...and shaping us into who we are. glad you've been able to view your past with a good perspective. thanks for sharing.
A beautiful post, Noelle. God's grace is always amazing, isn't it? You are a blessing! I need to remember more that my feelings are not to be used as a barometer of how He is working in given situations. Thank you for that reminder.
I, too, look back on some past decisions and realize how God has been ever so gracious to me in spite of them. All of my blessings in this life are because of His undying love and grace!
Yes, thank you, Lord, that he is patient at revealing his grace to us, even when we don't seem to recognize it. Thanks for linking up--even with a headache! :)
Very true! great insights! Thanks!
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