Happily, I find myself in a lovely devotional called Awaken by Priscilla Shirer. Upon reading the back cover I became excited. I delighted at the thought of what gems I may discover inside. With each devotional I hope to grow. And it didn’t take long for me to remember that to grow one needs to change. It’s a little thing commonly forgotten. We want the victory, so to speak, without the battle. But the truth is we become strengthened through weakness. There’s no other way.
On one day this particular lesson started off much like any other. Using an analogy to engage the readers. Today was about a runner running a race. This analogy tickled me because I’ve recently become a fan of getting out on the track. The analogy continued to explain all that is entailed for a runner to be successful; practice, sacrifice, dedication, etc. Then the moment arrived when the writer said, “how sad it is to see all that practiced wasted…effort amount to nothing except disqualification.” Priscilla’s point was clear. We can run the race, but can’t hope to win without obeying the rules. Runners who don’t always lose. A simple truth, right. At this point, I’m nodding and saying a little Amen.
On the last page of each days reading there is a spot provide so that the reader can make notations. Boy does this writer know what this girl loves. Just above it is a quote and question. This is to prompt the reader to dive into the subject a little deeper. She asked, “What are some of the basic, biblical guidelines you’ve gotten away from prioritizing?” I don’t know about you, but when I read this, it shook me.
Intentional or not she called me out. She asked me how I was cheating myself from winning the race. And the crazy thing was that it didn’t take me long to answer; unforgiving. That word jumped out of nowhere as I sipped my morning cup of coffee. Unforgiving. Yes, that was and is my honest answer. I struggle with this rule that God has commanded me to follow. I know God forgives me daily without hesitation, yet too often I fail to apply it. Instead, I allow my “emotions” to cloud the truth. So as I stared at the blank page before me, and wrote what I felt lead to say.
Lord, help me to forgive. I want to release the weight. I have held onto sadness and angry for far too long. Help me to live as you have intended me to; free. Help me to forgive.
Forgiving is an act more about the one who is applying it than the person it is intended. I have been aware of this fact, yet I remain a captive in my disobedience. Forgiving is freeing. And though it may not be easy, it is essential to experience peace. Every morning I must rise with the attitude and desire to forgive those who have caused me pain. Not for their sake, but for mine.
-Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13
This question convicted me far more than I anticipated, but I am grateful for it. So much so that I am sharing it with you all. I’m sure I can safely say that many of us don’t enjoy being called out. But it’s vital that we allow correction to happen in our life. So let me extend Priscilla’s question to you. What area is God calling you out on due to disobedience? Where have you been bending/breaking the rules? We are all running a race, but not all of us will be winners. Because how we run (in obedience/disobedience) will determine the outcome. So you and I have a choice to make.