 |
|
|
“I wish my life was like a computer,” Sarah lamented.
“Why?”
“I could simply hit the delete key and clear away all the messes! I could get a do-over, have a new beginning!”
“You want to erase everything?”
“Yes, everything! Everything in my life is a mess. There is nothing good about it. All my life I’ve been impulsive. I’ve made ridiculous decisions. I’ve hurt people.”
“Are you really sure about this request?”
“Yes! I am absolutely sure!”
“You would even want to erase Me?”
“Oh, not You…but everything else. All of my life has been one big screw-up. I put the “R” in regret and remorse…remember?”
“I do agree that you would have been happier if your original choices had followed My instructions…but.”
“But what? Every decision I’ve ever made had a beginning. All my beginnings seem to be the opening chapters of disaster. Why couldn’t I for just once, begin … right?”
“Would you really like to?”
“Isn’t that what this conversation has been about?”
“It has, but may I say a few things?”
“I’m sorry…see I don’t even do listening - right!”
***A loving smile of understanding warms over Sarah ***
“Sarah, I know, right now, it feels like you only make bad choices. But you have made some very good choices.”
“Really?”
“Yes, your life is a garden. It is a result of the choices you made six months ago…the seeds you planted.”
“Oh great…You had to remind me!”
“It’s okay, you planted a very good seed a few months ago, remember? You came to Me. You repented and asked for forgiveness. I have thrown those sins and mistakes into the Sea of Forgetfulness, as far as the East is from the West…and frankly I have much better thoughts toward you than spending all My time trying to remember what you’re doing wrong. My thoughts toward you are for your success and I have great hope for your future. When I think of you I think about what is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy.”
“Ah, come on…you can’t possibly think that way about me after all the dumb, idiotic, and stupid things I’ve done!”
“Yes, I can…and I do. My thoughts are not your thoughts. My thoughts are higher than yours. I see the end before the beginning. I know what lies within in you. I see all the possibilities of My grace working in your life. I see only a reflection of My glory.”
“Come on, You’ve got to be kidding! You can’t possibly see anything good in me.”
“I see the image of My Son when I look at you. The real question is; Sarah, what do you see?
“Oh Lord! When I look I only see all my past failures and mistakes and it’s so bad, I don’t even want to look.”
“Sarah, you can choose what you see.”
“I can?”
“Yes, you can. You have the power of the Holy Spirit living inside you to see your life through the Blood of My Son and the Truth of My Word or you can continue to look through the lies, deception and distortion of My enemy, Satan.”
“Whose vision do you see?”
“Sarah, I make all things new. In Me, are new beginnings, but you must believe what I tell you. If you don’t, you will continue to see the same old image and make the same old choices. Without My vision, you will perish.”
“Oh, Father, please help me! Help me see myself the way You do. Your vision of me is so much better…but I don’t deserve to look that way…not after all the things I’ve done.”
“I know, Sarah, but it’s not about you, it’s about Me. My grace is sufficient. I am so patient. I will walk with you; guiding you, teaching you and showing you how to renew your mind and walk in obedience…I will do it all…if.”
“If what?”
“If you will begin today and everyday…with Me.”
© 5/31/04 Lissa M. Lee
|
|
|
