Who is that? Why is she looking at me that way? Her smile says she’s got it all together, but I’m looking in her eyes. She’s a complete flake. A total failure. I’ll bet she’s hanging on by the skin of her teeth.
No, I know she is.
How could she possibly be as blessed as she is? It makes no sense. I know that little secret about her. I was with her that year she did the, well, you remember, weren’t you there too?
I just don’t get it.
Yep, that’s been me asking those questions and making those comments.
About myself.
There are many days I let my mind wander to my shortcomings, failures, and indiscretions aka big fat daddy sins. And wonder and even ask aloud, “God, why would you be so good to me? Why would you do such wonderful things? I don’t deserve a single one.”
And He reminds me:
“The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with loving kindness I have drawn you.” Jeremiah 31:3 NKJV
and:
“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 sin?” Romans 2:4 NLT
Those are the words that keep me humble, help me understand the goodness, grace, mercy, and love God lavishes upon me. Those are the words that draw me closer to Him and make me want to be so much more.
They encourage me, inspire me, and overwhelm me.
Question?? What verses help you understand the blessings in your life when you feel undeserving? (and we all are, thus grace!)
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What are you doing in my head, Jess?? 😉 Great reminder. Will be over shortly 🙂
Wooohooo and Amen!!! I adore Rev. 12:19. And the one in Isaiah about our sins being scarlet but him washing us white as snow.
"If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all–how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen." Romans 8:31-33, NIV.
That's a promise to fling at the devil when he comes calling.
Beautiful post, Jessica! I obviously need to study my Bible more because I'm not pulling up any new ones from what's been mentioned here already. And past experience tells me there's always more verses that put a slight different spin on the same message.
Great reminder of how awesome our God is! His blessings ARE amazing! Psalm 68:19 is a favorite of mine – Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah. Definitely gets me thinking! He gives me an abundance of blessings every day, in addition to the gift of salvation! What a good God!!
I don't remember the reference but I love the one that mentions God never slumbers or sleeps. He's always aware of us and there to help us – day or night.
I also love Proverbs 3:5-6 – "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thy own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths."
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
Love that verse. He really does want the best for us doesn't He? If only we would not stand in His way.
There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ.
And also, a surprise…Take courage–right from the lips of Jesus–the MOST courageous.
~ Wendy
Excellent and inspiring words in your post.
So funny, this is the second time I'm talking about this verse today…Psalm 121 is my favorite. I say it at least once a day. I draw strength from it.
The verses I planned to post have already been mentioned.
Why is it we are so quick to beat ourselves up over our shortcomings, but God doesn't keep track? So thankful for His unconditional love and bountiful grace.
I'd seek the explanation in these quotes from Hebrews 10 and 1John 1:
“This is the covenant that I will make with them
After those days, says the Lord:
I will put My laws upon their heart,
And on their mind I will write them,”
He then says,
“And their sins and their lawless deeds
I will remember no more.”
New American Standard Bible : 1995 Update. LaHabra, CA : The Lockman Foundation, 1995, S. Heb 10:16-17
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and bto cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
New American Standard Bible : 1995 Update. LaHabra, CA : The Lockman Foundation, 1995, S. 1 Jn 1:9
What great scripture, Jess. Thank u!
Such a great post, Jess. And in reading through the comments, such good verses running through my head. Thanks for the encouragement!
Great post, Jessica. Praise God that He loves us, with all our faults and failures.
Jeremiah 33:3 ""Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.'" (NIV)
I'm reading "What's So Amazing About Grace?" by Phillip Yancey. A fantastic book. The friend who recommended it said that she thinks everyone should have this book–and I think I agree.
I saw this post this morning and made a mental note to stop by tonight and stock up on all the verses. Each one is a blessing to my heart.
Thank you for posting this, Jessica.
I love Isaiah 43:1 "For I have redeemed you. I have summoned you by name and you are Mine!"
This is great, Jessica, and so true. Because his love isn't based on who we are, but who HE is! Great post.
What a beautiful post and powerful reminder of the depth of God's grace. I loved the verse you quoted about how God's immense grace is meant to turn us to sin. Remembering the debt He paid on the cross, for ME, cuts through all superficial excuses and stirs a passion to lay it all on the alter for my Savior who gave His all for me.
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