Veronese, The Anointing of David
A number of years ago, I was sitting in my bedroom and having a wonderful quiet time. The Lord really encouraged me and I felt that I was set for my day–I was feeling spiritual. I walked out of my bedroom into the hallway that went to the kitchen by way of my living room.
There, amongst all of my best “stuff”–my breakables–were my two boys, having a pillow fight with gusto. They hit some button I didn’t even know I had. I went ballistic. I started giving them the lecture of their life and started spewing all over them–they didn’t know what was coming–and I am sure that some of it had been stored just waiting to come out. Poor unsuspecting creatures!
And then when it was over, I was as shocked as they were! How could I have just had a quiet time with the Lord and then before sixty seconds having gone by, acting out in ugly frustrated anger! Then, of course, guilt and remorse pointed the ugly finger of inadequacy at me! How can you dare to speak and write books on motherhood? I can’t believe you made such a big deal out of nothing! You have probably scarred the boys for life!–and all the other accusing voices that have become so familiar at times.
I have met so many women in the past weeks who carry all sorts of guilt on their shoulders. And many feel they have failed so much there is no return. But God is always the God of second chances.
I was contemplating this on the way home from the airport the other day, that God’s glory is revealed in the lives of people who make mistakes and have regrets.
Abraham lied about Sarah being his wife and was going to let her have an affair with a foreign king!
Noah got drunk. Moses killed a man, and later lost his temper *just after* being in the presence of God on the mountain getting the ten commandments– and then he even threw them on the ground!
David committed adultery and then had his love’s husband killed in battle.
Rahab was a harlot. Peter denied Jesus after living with Him as His best friend for three years. Paul was killing the followers of Jesus before he himself was confronted by Him on the road to Damascus.
Paul wrote in Romans 7, “Wretched man that I am. I do the very things I do not wish to do.”
This is why living in the grace of God is so very important. Romans 8 tells us a great truth: “There is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus … Nothing can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ.”
“It is by grace you have been saved, and that not of yourself, it is a gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8
The older I get and the more I see how prone I am to stumble, the more humble I have had to become and the more dear my salvation and Christ’s grace is. I love Him more and more because I better know how fallen I am, and yet He still loves me, works through me, patiently waits for me as I little by little grow up.
If you’re tempted to give up on yourself, remember, God never will! He is the God of second chances; He is mindful we are but dust. Let Him pick you up, dust you off, and begin anew. The grace of the Lord be with you!
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Need some extra encouragement today? Head on over to Sarah Mae’s to read about Chapter 4 of Desperate (Oh Right, There’s Sin). Want to purchase Desperate? Head here!
Sally, thank you for having such an honest and open heart. I struggled with that the other day, right after I asked the Lord for a spirit of joy and for the spirit of anger to be taken away, I felt amazing, then five minutes later, I was overcome with sin tantrum. Thank you for encouraging us to know that God never forsakes us even when we stumble. Have a wonderful blessed week. Tara (The Proverbs 31 Sanctuary)
I find myself in these shoes often. Thanks for the encouragement. What a wonderful reminder of the grace of God!!
Thank you for speaking grace Sally. Especially since I just spent time in prayer over this very thing. A day yesterday of “losing it” over minor infractions…my anger worse than the original errors. Getting back on my mommy feet thanks to your words. Soaking in His unmerited favor.
“I have met so many women in the past weeks who carry all sorts of guilt on their shoulders. And many feel they have failed so much there is no return.”
This is me. I am an older mom. I have a grown son and teenagers as well as little ones. I have so many regrets. I often feel as if I failed as a mother to my older children and they will forever carry the consequences of my mistakes. I carry the guilt around and allow myself to become discouraged and believe that I am doomed to repeat the same mistakes with the younger ones. I am grateful that my God is a God of second chances! Thank you for your encouraging words. I needed them today.
So as the coffee pot was brewing I thought about how I am so thankful for Gods Grace this morning. I had a horrible day yesterday and yelled at my boys and felt like getting in the car and just driving away. When I awoke this morning I started to hear “look how you acted yesterday” “you should just give up now because you will never get it right”. I just cried out how thankful I am Lord for your Grace and Mercy. That I do have a chance to start over today. I asked God to show me something on Grace to encourage me. As I was praying that “Your Grace is enough” was on the radio and I walked in with my coffee sat on my laptop and came straight to your post. He is always Faithful even when I am not. Thank you Sally for sharing this.
P.S. A girlfriend and I are starting a Women’s Bible study group at our Church and we are going to be reading and studying Desperate
Thanks for your honesty and encouragement, Sally! I smiled ruefully as I read the title–I know about blowing it all too well. Even just being reminded of biblical characters who “blew it” was helpful this morning. Grateful for grace!
Thankful for do-overs!
Heading to the kitchen table to get school started…hope you have a great day!
Thank you, Sally. No matter how much I may hear it, I can always hear it again and again. For my heart sings with joy for His new mercies.
Sally ~ This describes the start to my mornings more often than I want to admit. I’m often blown away at how I can feel such closeness, peace, overwhelming love in the presence of the Lord only to have it evaporate in the midst of fighting boys. I’m so grateful for second chances. I remember when my boys were 5, 4, and 1 that Satan would often whisper in my ear, “It’s too late. You’ve messed up too much. It’s too late…” What a lie. God knew we were going to need a little more time. I sometimes think that’s why He lets them stay with us for so long.
I just got a copy of Sarah’s book Journeys of Faithfulness…LOVING IT! She gives me insight into the love of Jesus and into her mama’s love for her. Very encouraging.
I had a few of those meltdowns during perimenopause where I didn’t even recognize myself, Sally. I want to encourage anyone who is going through that lengthy process while simultaneously raising children–there is light at the end of the tunnel. Everyone seems to like the greyer, but healthier energetic menopausal me.
THANK YOU! His grace is sufficient, even when your oldest child is blaming you for homeschooling, etc, etc, etc.
Thank you,
Maria
Aahhhh!somany times I’ve wanted to write a comment, but lacked the time to do an adequate job (in my opinion). But I just had to say you spoke to me today. Thank you!
Thank you, Sally. I have been despairing the past few days (weeks?) that I’m simply not enough. I should just throw in the towel, send the kids to daycare and let the “experts” do it (because that would, of course, solve all my problems – ha!) I’m singing “The Steadfast Love of the Lord Never Ceases” today. Because it never does.
Also, received “Desperate” in the mail two days ago. I am not devouring it as I usually do with books but trying to let it absorb and praying for God’s courage to step out and do the assignments! I was in tears before I got through the Foreward. Thank you, thank you, thank you and Sarah Mae.
Thank you, Sally! There is comfort in knowing I’m not the only mama who isn’t perfect! Thank God for second chances…again, and again and again!
“God’s glory is revealed in the lives of people who make mistakes and have regrets.”
Thank you.
Sally, I am so thankful for you…that God has given you a heart to encourage young moms that are still in the trenches while you are now in a new season of challenges with your own children who are older. I have noticed that some ladies do not mind helping moms of littles until their own plate gets full with their own older children then they move on….and understandably so. So, it is clear that God has gifted you and Clay for this ministry and you are discipling moms of littles that wouldn’t have discipleship otherwise. Deeply thankful to my Savior for you and this ministry….
personally, so thankful for this truth today amidst totally blowing it as a godly mom to my children. Praise the Father for his grace and this post’s truth.
“There is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus … Nothing can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ.”
“It is by grace you have been saved, and that not of yourself, it is a gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8
I really needed this today. Thank you for sharing those encouraging words!
This is beautiful, Sally, and I can totally relate. Sometimes we get discouraged with ourselves because we tend to think that we are good, when in reality, the older you get, the more you realize that there is none “good” but God. Grace is for us sinners, who are “unrighteous” but clothed with His righteousness. Been singing “His robes for mine, oh, wonderful exchange” to myself all weekend. Loved this.
Thank you for this! Others have stated it all in the previous comments, but I just feel so much better to hear this, that others go through this as well. I surprise myself at times with my kids, and wonder where my behavior has come from. I can relate to every single comment given here!
Sally, how beautifully timely this post was for me today as I returned home from a commercial shoot. I do talent work & had a job booked for early this morning…but, I was leaving my home with a heavy heart as yesterday I had screamed at one of my little guys. S-C-R-E-A-M-E-D. His reply when I later asked, tearfully, for his forgiveness? “Mommy, (smiling) I always do.” What a beautiful picture of God’s grace, right? But, as I drove away from my house this morning, I told God that although I knew he had forgiven me, I simply couldn’t forgive myself…and thus, the struggle & guilt. I told Him that I felt as if His forgiveness should not come so easily. And I left it at that. Now, I return home, open my computer & read your lovely post. It brings tears to my eyes, and I feel the Lord gently saying, “See? You can trust in my forgiveness. I know you are but dust. And guess what? My Grace goes on.” Thank you for being a reminder of Christ’s promise to me today. I really, really needed that.
Thank you, so much! Your words are such a soothing balm for my hurting soul. Love you!
If it were possible i’d give you a huge hug and thank you! This is really nice to be reminded of the true character of God. At times the lies and guilt build up and I need to remember how loved I am by my Savior.
Laura