As I’ve been praying over my dreams during our 21-Day Walk By Faith, I often find myself needing this reminder. I feel as though I have started and re-started my ministry too many times to count. I feel like God is probably sick and tired of waiting on me to get it together!
But, that is me projecting human feelings onto our Mighty God. Scripture tells us over and over again that His faithfulness is forever. His patience and lovingkindness is everlasting towards His children.
So, as a gentle reminder to myself (and perhaps a few of you out there), I put the message above on my chalkboard. I have a note in my Bible from a message by Pastor Steve at Desert Springs Community Church in Arizona: “God never gets tired of my new beginnings.” I can still remember the day he preached that message because I needed to hear it so much.
I often feel like I fail over and over again with things that I’d like to change in my life. Pastor Steve pointed out that the Lord loves it when we turn our hearts toward Him and cry out for help, wanting to do better so that we can bring glory to God. God is ok with us trying over and over again, learning to lean on Him more and more. Whew ~ thank goodness! (anyone with me?)
Lamentations reminds us:
“The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘Therefore, I have my hope in Him.'” ~ Lam. 3:22-24
The Lord NEVER ceases to love me and His compassion NEVER fails.
I get to start over EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. If I make mistakes, fail to meet my goals, fall into old habits, lapse into naps, God still loves me and has plans for me. I haven’t ruined everything as my mind often thinks, but rather I can begin anew. Nothing can change God’s compassion for me.
Sometimes, beating myself up and feeling like I’ve already blown my chances stop me from pursuing my dream. My shame blocks me from boldly pressing ahead with what I think God is calling me to do. How about you?
Sixth Assignment: in your journal, write the things you think you may have “messed up” or “missed out on” due to your own fault. If there are mistakes you’ve made that cause you to worry that God won’t use you, write those as well. Next, in red ink to represent the blood of our Savior, write over the top of those thoughts: “His Mercy is New Every Day!”
Until next time, try not to let past failures forecast your future. Instead, remember that our hope is in God, not in ourselves. Much love!
Kim, you are awesome! Great message to ponder. The list is so long, of things I’ve missed out on or messed up in my life… But- God doesn’t love me any less, and He is still there every day to lift me up, to carry me when I need it, to listen when I’m perplexed, or just to simply hold me when I feel lost or bottomed out. What a great God He is!!! Many days and moments are made better with His help…
Keep up the good work of God. He is well pleased- whether you believe it or not… Love!
Thanks tons!