Perhaps you are hiding something in your life, but Diane encourages us to be real because God will use it for His kingdom.
“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in Him and receive eternal life” (1 Timothy 1:15,16).
Do you ever feel like you should hide your past or present from others; In fear that if they really knew how you were, they wouldn’t want to associate with you?
How about now in your every day walk? With illness, I think we find ourselves often struggling to maintain that happy disposition that outsiders seem to expect from us as Christians. We may think if someone sees the real me/you, the one who struggles with the ever present questions of why? or when will this pain, illness, suffering subside?
Or just the fact that we have days that we are not able to put on a smile, due to the stressful situations in our life. Yes, we make mistakes, we may not react appropriately. We worry that people will think less of us–or less of faith in our Lord.
What I love about Paul is he’s just so real! He doesn’t cover anything up or try to put on a mask. He knows and admits to being a sinner and is thrilled to know that because of God’s grace, God can bring about a “display of patience” that will bring others to the same wonderful knowledge and acceptance of Christ as their savior.
Today, my friends, when you feel the weight of your failures trying to pull you away from this truth, reject Satan’s ploy and rejoice, for Jesus will use that very failure to show how truly amazing His grace and salvation is!
Prayer: Father, we thank You for Your word, for the example You have given us that we might reflect and gain hope and wisdom to live each day to the fullest; Always recognizing that it is You, and Your grace that allows us to lead others to You despite our faults. Helps us to be real, to show our true selves, the brokenness that exemplifies our need for You! Amen.
About the author:
Diane Kalata, lives in Central Florida, she is blessed to have three grown children, and a wonderful husband, who is also her caregiver in illness. She is a blessed cancer survivor, but continues to deal with many digestive and neuropathic issues. She loves art and writing. Her desire is to continually be an encouragement to others; looking daily for those “God opportunities” to share His love and truth with others.
Do you struggle with feeling like you must always put on that “happy face”? In what ways has God’s “display of patience” been fruitful in your life?
Diane thought this song, “What if We Were Real?” by Mandisa was a good fit for this devotional and I think you will easily be able to relate to the lyrics. Even as Christians we sometimes get caught up in the shoulda, coulda, how-will-it-look? worries. If you have ever felt like we wear too many masks, you are not alone. We can each do our part to take the masks off. -Lisa
Chronic Illness Pain Daily Devotionals 