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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: REMEMBER (02/03/22)
Lord, I don’t want to be such a crab. Please change my heart. You love a cheerful giver. I can make myself do the right thing but I can’t make myself cheerful about being asked once again to do a big favor. Camilla asked if she was bothering me and I lied and said, “No.” But You know what I was really feeling inside. As I ran yet another very inconvenient errand for her I grumbled to myself, all the while begging you to forgive me and remove my self-centeredness. When and how will You change my heart?

So many memories are converging. I hoped You would excise the crabbiness in my heart with Your scalpel and permanently make me a selfless cheerful servant. But it seems You have another refining instrument in mind—memories.

Yes, I just returned from a month-long trip visiting many friends and relatives. Day after day I was favored, fed, chauffeured, and served graciously—and cheerfully. Camilla is sick and frail and disabled but I am healthy and strong and able. Yet, I needed lots of help when I was away from home. How thankful I am that no one was crabby with me. At least not on the outside. . .

That memory of neediness helps shift my attitude and perspective, but it’s remembering Sunday’s sermon that is the sharpest instrument You’ve used on the self-pity that turns me into a crab. Pastor said, “If you want to see the heart of God, behold Jesus on the cross.” There You demonstrated true love, true sacrifice, true favor—all for the joy set before You. The remembrance of what suffering You went through for my sake quickly dissipates the self-pity, the crabbiness, the grumbling.

Oh Lord, help me stop forgetting to remember!
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This article has been read 329 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Holly Westefeld
02/16/22
You aptly describe the sanctification process with which we are all keenly familiar. Sometimes our memories of the lessons are so short-term.
Philippa Geaney
02/17/22
I simply LOVED this article. So, so good.
Thank you
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
02/20/22
This is a powerful piece with some excellent advice. Add a Bible verse and a prayer and it would make a great devotion with a powerful message. Congratulations on ranking 15 overall. Happy Dance!