I am questioning my abilities as this trial keeps unfolding, Lord. It feels as though I am missing the mark at every turn, falling short of my expectations, becoming a judge in my own court of self-condemnation.
“What do you see?” asked Jesus, sitting on His throne. The question ushered my mind into overdrive, quickly identifying certain failures, some real and some perceived, each one looking back at me with contempt.
My thoughts were interrupted when Jesus declared, “I delivered Myself unto death, freeing you from all condemnation. You belong to Me. Yes, maybe your offences are many, but My grace is greater and abounds. Through Me, the only true Judge, you have been justified to live abundantly. Do you really want to reject My free gift of Grace and put yourself back under bondage?”
“No, Lord. I do not.” I said with a sigh, stepping down from my imaginary judge’s bench.
“Place all your transgressions in this container at my feet.” said Jesus as He was reaching down to open the lid on the box. I noticed it was stained with His blood and written across the top was the word Refined.
Placing my guilt-laden sins inside the chest, the Lord said, “This container belongs to Me and the contents are Mine. Do not attempt to take back what now belongs to Me. Sin will deceitfully hold you captive, forcing you to yield to its ways, causing spiritual death. But I have freed you from its power and made you alive unto God. When there is a new offence, place it in My hands, making room in your heart for what is pure. Walk in the newness of life to which you have been called.”
“Thank you for Your great compassion, Lord. For it is You who has blotted out my transgressions, washing away all my iniquity and cleansing me from my sin. Cause me to always call upon You out of a pure heart, Lord, enabling me to see You.”
Comforted by Romans 4:25, 5:4-20, 6:4-23, 7:6-23, 8:1 & 15; Galatians 4:3; John 3:17; 1 John 1:7; Matthew 5:8; Psalm 51:1-2; Psalm 75:7; 1 Corinthians 6:20
