Habits of a Woman Who Doesn't Give Up

Nicki Koziarz

"Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people." Colossians 3:23 (NLT)

For years I've dreamed of writing a book. Not to see my name on a cover or personal benefit. Rather, I want others to see God's faithfulness. Most days I'm motivated to press on, but other days it's difficult to maintain my "oomph."

Another rejection letter hits hard. My toes get stomped on by a hurtful comment on my blog. Or defeat attacks, making me want to quit.

But I believe this is a God-calling. These are words He has entrusted to me. A book He's asked me to write to tell others about His goodness. And so I try to push these negatives off. Colossians 3:23 inspires me to faithfully plug away another day: "Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people."

Maybe you can relate? For every step you take to fulfill your calling, something knocks you back three feet. Might I encourage you, as one who has been there—is currently there—to keep at it?

Here are five habits I've discovered which characterize a woman who doesn't give up:

1. She gets up each morning and follows through with her commitments, despite how she feels.

Her feet are firmly positioned in the day's tasks. While quitting may seem like an option, she refuses to become someone others or God can't count on. Her heart understands that she must be found faithful in small steps to be trusted with big steps. "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much ..." (Luke 16:10 NIV)

2. She approaches the Word of God with reverence.

She opens God's Word and believes each day He has a personal message for her. She listens to sermons and teachings. Instead of automatically thinking of the friend who needs to hear that message, she knows there's something there for her. "All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right." (2 Timothy 3:16 NLT)

3. She longs for the grace of refinement rather than the grace of relief.

She doesn't have a personal agenda to fulfill when she faces refinement. In fact, she longs for the grace of refinement, rather than the grace of relief, because she trusts how God will use this season of growth. She accepts the perspective godly people offer her in difficult situations. And she embraces the process of becoming better through her mistakes. "Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life." (NLT)

4. She chooses to invest in the world with joy.

Though life may turn on her, she chooses not to reciprocate. Instead, she strives to be emotionally generous towards others by investing in them with joy. As a result, when darkness threatens to loom over her she can easily chase it away by giving joy. "A joyful heart is good medicine." (Proverbs 17:22a ESV)

5. She has a spirit of unbreakable determination.

Though she may feel a little [or a lot] bent many days, she never lets the bending break her perseverance toward the things God has assigned her. In the midst of rejection, she thrives by standing firm on this verse, "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." (Psalm 51:10 NIV)

Though I don't have all these down quite yet, I'm working on them. And each day I can see progress ... in my perseverance, hope, and manuscript.

What about you? What has God called you to do? Start by adopting one habit today and commit your work to the Lord.

Lord, thank You for filling me with purpose, faith and determination. Help me continue to do the work You've given me. Amen.

Related Resources:
Do you long to write words that are memorable and moving but don't know where to start? We are thrilled to announce the launch of COMPEL: Words That Move People.

This new training for writers by Lysa TerKeurst and Proverbs 31 Ministries will be a perpetual tutor that creatively delivers both information and inspiration to take your writing to a whole new level! Click here for more information and to sign up.

Visit Nicki Koziarz's blog for a "no quitting" giveaway.

Reflect and Respond:
Have you given up on a calling God has given you? Why?

What habit can you choose to begin today and what steps will you take to begin working for the Lord?

Wanted

Standing Firm in the Storms of Life

Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
We have proved ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, our sincere love, and the power of the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 6:6, NLT).

Friend to Friend
Just as storms in life are certain, so is the provision of God. Life can be messy, and bad things will happen. But every crisis and every storm is also an opportunity to trust God. He calls us to a heavenly perspective when facing challenging times. He calls us to see the storms of life as He sees them - opportunities for His power to be illustrated in human terms. What steps can we take to face the storms of life in a way that honors God?

Step one: Live a pure life.
2 Corinthians 6:6 (NLT) "We have proved ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience."

The apostle Paul was certainly no stranger to storms. In his writings to the church at Corinth, Paul lists several actions we can take to survive and even thrive in those storms. Notice that purity is listed first. Paul is sending a clear message. Integrity and power for daily life are the result of a heart committed to purity. A clean heart unleashes the authority of God in us and through us. Impurity corrodes stability while purity generates a supernatural strength. It is that power and stability that keeps us from falling.

Psalm 51:10 (NASB) "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."

The Psalmist links a pure heart with a steadfast spirit. "Steadfast" literally means "fixed or unchanging" and defines the kind of strength that can only be found in a right relationship with God. Stability is essential when those blustery winds of life storms are raging. Some storms come to uncover that cherished sin we try so hard to bury. If we refuse to deal with sin in our life, God will urge us toward obedience by allowing the storms to come. But make no mistake - the purpose of the storm is always to purify – and then empower.

Second truth: Seek understanding.
2 Corinthians 6:6 NLT) "We have proved ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience."

Understanding is only as good as its place of origin. Human understanding is limited and tainted while Godly understanding is infinite and unspoiled. Our greatest lessons are learned in the fiercest storms. I know you have heard those words many times – but are they a living reality in your life?

A teacher was asked a question by one of his students who had come across Deuteronomy 6:6 that says, "These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts." The student asked, "Why does it say to put God's commandments upon our hearts instead of in our hearts?" The wise teacher responded, "It is not within man's power to deposit truth directly into his heart. All we can do is place truth on the surface of the heart so that when the heart breaks, it will fall in."

Every circumstance that results in brokenness is designed to produce greater self-control and a fresh perspective. We can face every storm with confidence, knowing that God will redeem it for understanding.

Third truth: Learn to be patient.
2 Corinthians 6:6 (NLT) "We have proved ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience."

I must confess that I am not the epitome of patience. I hate to wait – on anyone or anything – which may very well explain certain storms and trials in my life. James had the same problem, but a much better attitude.

James 1:2 (NIV) "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance."

I tend to consider it pure joy when I can escape trials of many kinds, but James tells us that trials can and should be faced with patience and an attitude of joy. Not joy for the trials but joy in the trials. Don't miss this vital truth. Joy is a deeply rooted confidence that God is in control. Joy is a chosen attitude, and understands that trials are not punishment.

Take a $5.00 bar of steel. If you cut that bar into ordinary horseshoes, it is worth about $10.00. That same $5.00 bar of steel cut into needles is worth $350, but when cut into delicate springs for watches, that same $5.00 bar of steel is worth $250,000.

Trials are a test, a measurement of growth. Patience gives God permission to work. We go to great lengths to avoid trials and shelter ourselves from the storms of life. The result is spiritual immaturity.

God will not build our character without our cooperation, and He will not work in us without our permission. We must surrender, invite Him to work, and then, by faith, patiently embrace that work. Warren Wiersbe writes, "When God permits his children to go through the furnace, He keeps His eye on the clock and His hand on the thermostat."

Let's Pray
Thank You, Father, for Your faithfulness in my life. Sometimes my motives are not pure and are so often self-serving. Right now, please cleanse my heart of all sin. Give me eyes to see the treasure buried at the heart of every trial and help me to choose joy - even when I don't understand what You are doing in my life. Lord, let my life be an illustration of Your strength perfected in my weakness.
In Jesus's name,
Amen.

Part 2

Today's Truth
We have proved ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, our sincere love, and the power of the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 6:6, NLT).

Friend to Friend
It would be just fine with me if I never had to go through another storm. However, God is more committed to my character than He is to my comfort. Every storm is an opportunity to grow in Christ and trust Him more.

The Apostle Paul was well acquainted with vicious storms and harsh realities. In his writings to the church at Corinth Paul offers five truths that - when applied - will enable us to stand firm in the storm.

Truth 1: Live a pure life.
Truth 2: Seek understanding.
Truth 3: Learn to be patient.
Truth 4: Practice kindness.

When bad things happen, we cry out in desperation for someone to care. Did you know that more people come to Christ during a crisis than at any other time?

Kindness is simply compassion at work and love in action. We need to constantly refocus our success-targeted eyes, crucify each self-promoting heart motive, and look for the needs around us. I often think we will be amazed when we get to Heaven and find the unlikely, unknown but devoted servants of God exalted above all others – rewarded for their quiet and often unseen acts of kindness.

A preacher once described his mother as a woman of great compassion. One day he came home from school to find her sitting at the table with an elderly, homeless man. She had gone shopping, met the man on the way, and invited him home for a warm meal. During their conversation the visitor said, "I wish there were more people in the world like you." The woman said quickly, "Oh there are! You just have to look for them!" The old man simply shook his head and smiled, "But lady, I didn't need to look for you. You looked for me!"

Needs constantly parade before us, but we don't see them. We are too busy to see the broken lives the Father sends our way. We view them as intrusions or annoying interruptions in our very important schedule. These uninvited and unscheduled guests may very well be divine appointments sent by God.

The warning of Hebrews 13:2 is a haunting one. "Remember to welcome strangers, because some who have done this have welcomed angels without knowing it." How many angels have we missed because we were too busy?

Perhaps we fail to be kind simply because we don't care enough. A little girl ran an errand for her mom. The child was gone far too long and the mother was not happy. When the little girl returned, the mother demanded an explanation. The little girl said that on the way to the store, she had met a friend who was crying because she had broken her doll. "Oh," said the mother, "then you stopped to help her fix her doll?" "Oh, no!" replied the little girl. "I stopped to help her cry!" Sometimes, all we need to do to practice kindness is to offer a listening and caring heart.

Jesus says that if we really love God, we will really love each other. 1 John 4:20 is clear, "If people say, 'I love God,' but hate their brothers or sisters, they are liars. Those who do not love their brothers and sisters, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have never seen." We can be very religious and not care enough.

Kindness does not look for reasons.
Compassion doesn't ask for limitations.
Compassion searches for opportunity.

Let's Pray
Lord, thank You for being with me every step of the way – especially in the storms of life. I praise You for Your sufficiency in my life and for Your love that never fails. I pray that I will learn how to stand firm in the storms ahead and grasp the lesson each storm holds. I want to please You, Father. Change my comfortable heart to an obedient heart, a heart that is always ready to praise and serve You – no matter what!
In Jesus's name,
Amen.

Now it's Your Turn
When you face a difficult situation, where do you turn first for help?
What is your attitude about the storms in your life? How does that attitude need to change?
Examine your life for any sin that is blocking God's power. How can you eliminate that barrier?
How can you best prepare for the storms ahead?

He Is With Us

Praise

Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
Always give thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:20, NCV).

Friend to Friend
When we lived in South Florida, the grass in our yard grew year round. We learned over the years that the best way to deal with weeds was simply to take care of the grass. When grass is healthy, weeds have no space to grow.

When our hearts and lives are filled with praise and thanksgiving, worry is a weed that will die from lack of attention. Why? Because praise acknowledges the very character of God, while thanksgiving recognizes the work of His hand. Together, praise and thanksgiving are powerful weapons against worry and important tools to help us grow.

Many times we feel we have nothing to celebrate. We do not understand the true meaning of praise. Praise comes from a Latin word that means "value" or "worth." So to praise God means to celebrate His worth, His value…His presence. "Sing to God, sing praise to His name, extol Him who rides on the clouds—His name is the Lord—and rejoice before Him" (Psalm 68:4).

Praise and thanksgiving pleases God. Psalm 147:1 "How good it is to sing praise to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him!"

Praise and thanksgiving encourage obedience. First Thessalonians 5:16-18 "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." It is His will for us to praise Him. Obedience to Him always promotes peace and eliminates worry.

Praise and thanksgiving enhance our awareness of His presence. Psalm 22:3 "But You are holy, enthroned in the praises of Israel" (nkjv). When we praise God, we are enthroning Him in our lives. We are making that fearful circumstance His dwelling place.

Praise and thanksgiving produce trust. Psalm 42:11 asks, "Why am I so sad? Why am I so upset? I should put my hope in God and keep praising Him, my Savior and my God" (ncv).

Thanksgiving is a deposit on the future. Praise is trusting Him for what He will do and then expecting Him to do it, understanding that today's stumbling blocks are tomorrow's stepping-stones. Praise frees God to work because when we praise Him, we are choosing to trust Him totally, despite the circumstances.

The story is told of a young man who was sitting on a park bench reading his Bible. Suddenly he began to shout. "Praise the Lord! What a miracle!" An older, very distinguished man walking by stopped and asked what he was so excited about. The young man replied, "I was just reading how God parted the Red Sea and the whole nation of Israel walked across on dry ground." The older man sneered, "Don't you know? That wasn't a real sea at all. It was just a few inches of water." He then turned in irritation and walked away, leaving the young man confused and discouraged. But in a few minutes he began to shout again. The unbeliever returned asking, "What are you shouting about now?" "Well, sir, I just read how God drowned the whole Egyptian army in just a few inches of water!"

Don't let anyone keep you from praising God.

Don't let any circumstance deny you the joy of giving thanks.

"I will thank the Lord at all times. My mouth will always praise Him" (Psalm 34:1).

"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness" (Lamentation 3:22-23).

Praise is not optional in a life that wins over worry and doubt. Praise is essential in a journey of faith. It is a demonstration of trust and the acceptance of a circumstance without insisting that God change it. When we choose to praise God, we choose to trust Him. And when we choose to trust God, we will win over worry.

Let's Pray
Father, I come to You today with a sense of helplessness. I am desperate for You, Lord. I need Your strength and power to sustain me because everything seems to be falling apart. I want to be a woman of faith and stand strong when trouble bombards my life but I cannot do it alone. I am afraid and seem to worry about everything. Today, I turn to You and celebrate the truth that You will turn to me and be my refuge.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
When did God take something bad in your life and bring good out of it? Describe that experience. Remember the truth that God is the same yesterday, today and forever and what He did in your past … He can do today and tomorrow. He is faithful – even when we are faithless.
Read and memorize Psalm 59:16. Choose to sing a new song of praise – no matter what happens today. Record this verse on an index card and keep it with you. When fear and doubt come, meet them with this powerful promise from God.

God's Great Dance Floor

Be Happy Now

Be Happy Now Valorie Burton

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:11-13 (NIV)

"I'm not happy with my job. I'm not happy with my body. I'm not happy with my life."

It seems that at some point in our lives, we each struggle with unhappiness, a spirit of discontentment, with wanting more. I remember a couple of years ago being frustrated as I sat in my comfy living room chair, Bible open, listening to the Lord. Well, maybe it was more like talking at Him, telling Him what I wanted.

What I wanted was to be happily married and have a family of my own. At 38, my "clock" was ticking, and I was still faithfully believing God for marriage and family.

If God would just give me the desires of my heart, I knew I could be happy. That's when this thought came to me: Be happy now. If you don't learn to be happy while you're waiting for what you want, you'll never be happy when you get what you want.

To be clear, happiness cannot be the sole aim of our existence. Living out my purpose by serving and loving others as Christ does is my ultimate goal. When I stop focusing so much on what I want, and focus my gaze on what God wants to do in and through me, contentment follows.

In fact, happiness is an external indication of internal contentment.

This realization stopped me in my tracks. The list of things I felt I needed to check off my list for me to be happy was tiring. The idea that I could choose happiness was refreshing. The first step was to embrace life exactly as it was; in other words, to be content. I counted my blessings more, started traveling, and did things that being single uniquely afforded me. Most importantly, I decided to wholeheartedly trust God.

When Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians, the word he used for "content" actually means to be contented with one's lot in life. We can spend so much energy pushing against our reality when life doesn't turn out the way we planned it. But resisting what is, and trying to control what is beyond our control, can cause anxiety. Frustration takes over. Anger prevails.

Instead of making the most of our circumstances, it's easy to lament the fact that things are not where we believe they should be.

What if we stopped pushing against what is and learned to embrace our present circumstances?

When that shift is made, it feels like a heavy burden is released from our shoulders. It can also feel scary at first. But truly accepting where we are helps us relax and see the good God has in our present circumstances. We cast our cares, content in trusting that all things indeed will work together for our good.

When I embraced what is, I discovered happiness greater than any I'd experienced before. Just like Paul tells us to do in Philippians 4, I made intentional choices to be content with my present circumstances—and in the lot God had given me for that season. I stopped making happiness a destination and began making it my way of journeying through life.

Lord, help me embrace what is and live each day with thankfulness for the life I've been given. Give me the grace to be happy while I wait for what I want, rather than insist that I cannot be happy until I attain it. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

While I am waiting- song

God' Power Follows Your Obedience

November 6, 2013
God's Power Follows Your Obedience
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him (1 Corinthians 1:27-29, NIV).

Friend to Friend
If God said, "I'm looking for a woman to help accomplish My plans and fulfill My purposes," would you feel qualified? Not many of us would raise our hands shouting, "Pick me, pick me!"

But here's something we must always remember: God doesn't necessarily call the qualified, but He always qualifies the called.

When the angel of the LORD came to call Gideon to be the leader of the Israelite army, Gideon was hiding in a winepress threshing wheat (Judges 6:11-14 NIV). Now you don't thresh wheat in a winepress. You thresh wheat by throwing it up into the open air and letting the chaff blow away and the heavier grain fall to the ground.

So why was Gideon in the winepress? He was hiding. That's right. He was so terrified of his encroaching enemies, he was hiding. And yet, when the angel of the LORD addressed Gideon, he called him a "mighty warrior" (Judges 6:12 NIV). That just tickles me. I imagine Gideon looked to the left and the right and asked, "Are you talking to me?"

God doesn't see as we see. We tend to look at what we can accomplish in our own strength, but God looks at what we can accomplish in His.

Consider this:
Jacob was a deceiver.
Joseph was a brat.
Moses was a stutterer. Sarai was barren.
David was a shepherd.
Rahab was a harlot.
Peter was a fisherman.
Paul was a murderer,.
Mary Magdalene was a transformed demoniac.
The Samaritan woman was a five-time divorcee.
Timothy was timid.
Priscilla was a tent maker.

Even though they might not be who the world would choose to lead a great nation or movement, these were a few of the men and women God chose to fulfill His purposes in their lifetime through His power.

"But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him" (1 Corinthians 1:27-29).

I don't know about you, but that fits me to a T. And here's even better news, "I can do everything through him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13). And so can you!

Let's Pray
Lord, I don't know why you have chosen me to do mighty works for You, but I do know this: I am not qualified, but You are. Give me strength in my weakness. Give me faith in my fear. Give me power in my powerlessness. I'm trusting You.
In Jesus' name.
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Read Judges chapter 6 and note how God spoke to Gideon's fear. Especially note verses 14 and 16.

Strong Enough

What Can God Do with Diffcult Circumstances

Samantha Evilsizer

"I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted." Job 42:2 (ESV)

This past year, people I love have had to grapple with some very difficult things—home foreclosures, loss of businesses, empty cupboards, and dry gas tanks. Family and friends have endured marital affairs, children sentenced to jail, another year of unemployment, cars breaking down, churches falling apart.

In the midst of such hardships, it's easy to doubt God can redeem the pain, recover what's lost, heal all that's broken. Can He truly fit the pieces of our suffering into a hopeful future?

If we rely on what our circumstances imply, we may believe the Lord isn't able to make something good come from our hardships. Or that He won't. But the truth is, God can and does change our circumstances.

Whether or not God alters our current situation, His power to give a future and hope never changes! We know this based on His Word that stays the same. That's why it's important to take action when difficulties weave doubt in to our faith in God's authority. How do we do this?

For me, refocusing on the truth found in Job 42:1-2 makes a big difference, "Then Job answered the LORD and said: 'I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted."

Reading accounts of God's faithfulness bolsters us up when all that is around us is crumbling down. When we focus on what God did for others, it reminds us He is able to work on our behalf as well. Take a look at God's redeeming plans for some of His people throughout the Bible...

While Job's family, home, crops and health were demolished, God was preparing to give him double of what was killed, stolen, lost and damaged. (Job 1 and 2; Job 42:10)

While Joseph was a slave and prisoner, God was planning for him to be second in command over Egypt. (Genesis 39:19-21 and 41:41)

When Ruth was a homeless, childless widow, God was creating a home in Boaz's heart for her to be his wife. God also knew she'd one day be a mother and years later a great, great, great-grandmother to Jesus. (Ruth 1:4-5 and 4:13-17)

When David lay down in adultery, God was laying the groundwork for him to rise up and repent. (2 Samuel 2:4; Psalm 51)

When Peter lost faith and denied Christ, God knew Peter would be instrumental in growing the Christian church by proclaiming Christ to thousands. (Mark 14:66-72; Acts 2:38-41)

While Mary watched Jesus dying on the cross, God had full knowledge of Jesus being resurrected and seated on His heavenly throne! (John 19:25-30; Revelation 3:21)

No matter what the dire, dreary circumstances, God turned each into a hopeful future.

God can reverse, restore, revive, and renew. Be on the lookout for His plans that are already in motion right now, even in the midst of your difficult time. Trust Him. He can take any circumstance and use it for your good and His glory.

Dear Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness shown to every generation, and for recording these stories where You turned dreary pasts into hopeful futures. I ask that You do the same for mine. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Lord, I Need You

Forgiveness

I thought I take a break from the kids this week and share some devotions that God has place in font of me the last couple of weeks. Each devotion will have a song for that day. Please take the time to read, to listen, and to reflexed on God!!!

Living in Forgiveness Gear
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
Be kind and loving to each other. Forgive each other just as God forgave you in Christ (Ephesians 4:32, NCV).

Friend to Friend
A little boy went to see the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. When he arrived, he pointed up at the monument and announced to the guard on duty, "I want to buy it." The guard asked, "How much do you have?"

The boy reached into his pocket and pulled out a quarter. The guard said, "That is not enough." The little boy replied, "I thought that you would say that," and pulled out nine more cents.

The guard looked down at the small boy and said, "You need to understand three things. First, thirty-four cents is not enough. Second, the Washington Monument has never been, nor will it ever be for sale. Third, if you are an American citizen, then the Washington Monument already belongs to you."

We need to understand three things about forgiveness. First, we can never be good enough or do enough to purchase it. Second, forgiveness is not for sale, nor can we earn it. Third, if we have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, then all of the forgiveness we will ever need already belongs to us. But we must choose to experience that forgiveness by accepting it as a free gift of God.

Our pride is often the biggest obstacle to experiencing forgiveness. It is hard to admit that we are sinners in need of a Savior. We like being in control of our lives … until that control lands us in some ditch or pit, and we need saving. In desperation, we lay down our pride and cry out to God … and He hears us.

Psalm 77:1 (NCV) "I cry out to God; I call to God, and He will hear me."

God does not respond to our cries for help with condemnation and guilt. That's the standard operating procedure of Satan. God offers unconditional love and eternal forgiveness.

1. Our pride is often the biggest obstacle to forgiving others. True forgiveness always requires sacrifice on our part – a truth that may often seem unfair in human terms. After all, we are the ones who have been hurt. Why should we have to sacrifice anything? Shouldn't the people who hurt us be the ones who have to make the first move and offer the biggest sacrifice? True forgiveness – God's forgiveness – defies human logic and cannot be explained in human terms. Human forgiveness is easier but a shallow substitute and cheap imitation for the amazing power of God's forgiveness.

We need to be willing to take the first step in the process of forgiveness. Jesus was. Romans 5:8 tells us that "God shows His great love for us in this way: Christ died for us while we were still sinners" (ncv).

He did not wait until we shaped up.
He did not wait until we cleaned up our act.
He did not even wait until we asked for forgiveness or even knew we needed to be forgiven.

Jesus stepped out of heaven onto a cross, purchasing true forgiveness for us. He died for people who do not deserve forgiveness, people who refuse to ask for forgiveness, people who ignore their own faults, people who sit in judgment of others, people who insist on others taking the first step.

We need to love and forgive in the same way – in "forgiveness gear."

Matthew 5:23 (NLT) "If you are standing before the altar in the Temple, offering a sacrifice to God, and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there beside the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God."

God is very serious about forgiveness. He wants us to understand that it doesn't matter how much we do or don't do. If we have not forgiven someone, if we know that someone has not forgiven us, we should drop everything, put life on hold, and make things right.

If we want to experience the power of forgiveness, we must be willing to nail our pride to the cross, experience the love and forgiveness of God, and choose to forgive.

Let's Pray
Father, I come to You today, asking first for Your forgiveness for the sin in my life. I choose to turn from that sin and obey you. Thank You for your grace and mercy. Give me the strength and power to extend that same mercy and grace to those in my life who have hurt me.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
What hurt or pain are your holding in your heart and life? Realize it is holding you prisoner and make the choice to let it go today. Forgive the person who hurt you. Forgiveness is a choice that leads to a step of obedience. Forgiveness is not an emotion or feeling. If you make the choice to forgive, God will supply the forgiveness.

Let's go a little deeper. Read the whole story of Hosea and Gomer found in the book of Hosea. First put yourself in the place of Gomer. How do you think she reacted to Hosea's decision to forgive her and bring her home? Then put yourself in the place of Hosea. Think about the thoughts and feelings running through Hosea's heart and mind. Record your thoughts and insights in your journal.

What one person do you need to forgive right now? Pray for that person. Ask God to let you see them through His eyes and make the deliberate choice to forgive them.

Forgiveness