Are you struggling with past regrets? Maybe you are asking, \u201cHow can God use me? I can\u2019t help others when my past is full of mistakes\u2014bad mistakes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That dilemma reminds me of a walkway I saw recently.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t straight.\u00a0 It had a couple of curves in it as it wound through the yard.\u00a0 The flat stones were not all the same color.\u00a0 Some were light in color and had a few sparkles as the sun shone down.\u00a0 But some were darker in color and looked flawed.\u00a0 However, with a sturdy foundation and the right mortar, those pieces came together to form a beautiful walkway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I thought of those who have things in their past that they wish were not there. Jesus is a master at using those flaws to make something beautiful.\u00a0 So, I encourage you to sit with Jesus a while.\u00a0 Let Him clean up those rough areas and give you the foundation that will make you strong and useful in His service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I encourage you to pray the prayer that King David prayed in\u00a0Psalm 51:1-12 (NIV).\u00a0 I especially like verse 7, \u201cCleanse me\u2026, and I will be whiter than snow.\u201d David also reminds us in\u00a0Psalm 145:8\u00a0and14\u00a0(NIV), \u201cThe Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made\u2026The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.\u201d\u00a0 That includes you, friend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some may ask, \u201cAren\u2019t you encouraging people to sin and make bad decisions?\u201d The Apostle Paul answers that quite well in his teaching about grace. \u201cWhat shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?\u201d (Romans 6:1-2 NIV)\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFather, I bring my sin and failures to you. I accept Jesus\u2019 sacrifice for me. Please help me to live the life You intended for me. Thank you, amen.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I am a retired teacher trying to point others to Jesus. Contact<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Are you struggling with past regrets? Maybe you are asking, \u201cHow can God use me? I can\u2019t help others when my past is full of mistakes\u2014bad mistakes.\u201d That dilemma reminds me of a walkway I saw recently.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t straight.\u00a0 … Continue reading