You Can Know the Hope and Promise of God’s Love
I’m overwhelmed by God’s patient love for countless reasons, but there’s one time that stands out in my mind and flattens me.
Years ago, I had a want. It wasn’t a bad want. In fact, I would say it was a good want.
But it was not something God wanted for me. At least not at that time. And I didn’t take His ‘no’ or ‘wait” very well. The longer it went on the worse I got.
Most people didn’t know, but inside my attitude was one of an indulged, spoiled, and entitled child.
You know the First Commandment. The one that says,
Have no other gods.
Yeah, that one.
As I look back, this want took over my heart.
This churchgoing good girl follower of Jesus had another god, and eventually, she took charge to get what she wanted.
I remember shortly after getting it, I had a dream where I was handed that big want and clearly heard Jesus ask, “Do you love me more than these?”
His patient love calling me back to the truth.
I remember saying, “Yes, Lord, You know that I love you.”
And I did, but this other god had a tight grip on my heart and my mind. One of the problems with other gods is we don’t realize the place we’ve given them.
God knew. He knew everything about me and patiently waited, but I didn’t get it. Finally, out of love, He allowed a crisis—a wake-up call.
I was so ashamed.
How could I have allowed another god? How could I have given in to temptation? I had listened to the lie first heard in the Garden and I gave in . . . God’s holding out on you. You need to take care of yourself.
I was so sorry. I was flattened.
And God was gracious and merciful, compassionate and faithful with me.
The LORD is gracious and merciful; Slow to anger and great in lovingkindness. Psalm 145:8
But you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. Psalm 86:15
God is love. God is patient!
God is patient with me. And He is patient with you.
Not because of who I am.
Not because of who you are.
But because of who He is.
The Lord is compassionate and merciful,
slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
He will not constantly accuse us,
nor remain angry forever.
He does not punish us for all our sins;
He does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve.
For His unfailing love toward those who fear Him
is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.
He has removed our sins as far from us
as the east is from the west.
The Lord is like a father to His children,
tender and compassionate to those who fear Him.
Psalm 103:8–13
The promise of God’s love … His undeserved patient love and forgiveness flattens me.
I see myself…
In Eve as she takes a bite of forbidden fruit. In the grumblers wandering the desert. In the prodigal son and many others.
And I see the Father…
Making a plan and following through in Jesus. Leading His children to the Promised Land. Watching and waiting to embrace the returning repentant sinner.
God didn’t just forgive and restore me . . . He brought me to a new place. One of trust, of knowing His plans and purposes are perfect. A place of hope and promise.
The enemy still tries to remind me of my sin and shame me, but when he does my Father holds me close and says, “You are forgiven and loved.”
God allowed me to hear His voice again through one more dream several years later. I don’t remember the details, but I remember His message to “Feed my sheep.”
So, I tell my story.
A story of failure forgiven by a patient loving God.
You Can Know the Hope and Promise of God’s Love
Have you been flattened by the promise of God’s love?
I love the assurance of the following quote…
Elizabeth Elliot and her husband, Jim, were missionaries trying to reach a tribe of people who had never heard the message of God’s love. Jim died a very young man while serving the Lord and His people. Elizabeth lost the future as she imagined it but she never lost her hope in the promise of God’s love.
This is one of my favorite quotes…
“If my life is surrendered to God, all is well. Let me not grab it back, as though it were in peril in His hand but would be safer in mine!” ~Elizabeth Elliot
May you know the blessing of His patient love and trust that whatever is going on around you … you are safe in His hands.
Guilty as charged! Haven’t we all from time to time yearned for something so badly that we put God in second place? We know in our hearts it is wrong, but do it anyway. When He helps us come to our senses at last, we are overcome with remorse, but His gentle correcting in love is all we need to get back on track with Him.
Blessings, Deb!
It’s so easy to blame Eve, thinking I would never. But you’re right we all do. We all have. Thank you my friend! God bless you!!
Oh, what a good and timely word, Deb! God has spoken to my heart through your words today.
Especially challenge by EE, “If my life is surrendered to God, all is well. Let me not grab it back, as though it were in peril in His hand but would be safer in mine!”
Blessings,
Melanie
Thank you, Mel! I loved that quote by EE. I need to make a graphic and hang it on the wall where I can see it every day. His plans are just so much better than mine. Oh, it took me so long to know that. How I need that amazing grace. Blessings to you!!
Ahhhhh …. yes. This girl is guilty, too! And it seems when I did that, it turned out to be a pretty crumby gig, too. Patience to wait for God’s best for us is tough! Thanks for the wonderful reminder, friend!
I’m so blessed by all of you who have let me know I’m not alone. I often picture myself standing with Eve grabbing that fruit. Thinking others have the strength to walk away. Waiting on His timing is not something I’ve done well. Whew! His amazing love really does overwhelm me! Hugs to you!
I’m so thankful that God is patient with me. It’s an example of how I need to be with others. God is so good. Thank you for this reminder.
Me too, Dawn, me too! And yes, I want to be like that with others! Blessings to you!
So glad that God does not deal with me as my sins deserve. I’m enjoying your wise words on patience and can’t wait to read more. It’s an area that I need to work on for sure!
Oh, me too, Valerie, me too! Thanks for your encouragement. I always get a little nervous wondering how the Lord wants to teach me in the process of sharing… But I just keep trusting His all sufficient grace and mercy! Blessings, my friend!
I would love to have back all the times and all the money I spent on my want-some good and some not so. It has taken me a long time to learn His way is often waiting and that He has something better to come along. Ha…I’m still learning. A car paid off but with a lot of miles needed work done. Didn’t matter. Just get a new truck. Two more years (or less) to pay. Learn the lesson Bill. Don’t give in.
Aren’t you thankful for His patience as we continue to be works in progress. We are all still learning, Bill. Every one of us. Well, at least I am! I always love your input! Thanks so much! And blessings!
You are so right, Deb! It can be easy to want OR hold onto something we need to let go of (even if it is a good thing) because it has become more important than His best for us. Sound words of gentle conviction, my friend!
Thank you, Pam. His way is always best. It’s so hard to believe sometimes, but knowing and trusting His perfect love makes a huge difference. God’s blessings!