God's like that

It's funny the way God sometimes chooses to teach you something.

For the last few weeks, I've been reading the daily devotions in ec. I wanted to be reading what you were reading at the same time—or at least on the same day—that you were reading it. In our little publishing world here in Nashville, we're working about three to six months ahead, meaning my mind is often considering the January or February issue of the magazine and I can barely remember what is in the magazine you currently have in your hands.

So last week, when I opened up the August issue of ec and read the devos, I was a little taken aback. Because I'm reading through Hebrews currently in my personal quiet time. And I'd just been reading, studying, and pondering these same passages on my own.

I sometimes think that God likes to use repetition to teach me. He knows that I may not pay attention if He just shows me something once, but He knows it'll get through my thick skull if He shows me again and again and again. See, here's the deal: I believe with absolute certainty that God forgives sin. I've experienced that. But I have this problem with forgiving myself of that failure to walk in His ways. Even though He has thrown that sin away, I keep dwelling on it, thinking I've somehow failed or disappointed Him, that I'm not worth it, that I can't even follow God in the small things or stand against temptation.

But Hebrews reminds me that Jesus has made all things possible. Hebrews 5:9 says that He became the source of eternal salvation for us. Hebrews 4:15 tells us that that we can withstand temptation to sin because we have Christ in our lives. Hebrews 2:18 teaches us that He stands beside us in our suffering and trials, because He endured them, too. Hebrews 7:25 tells us that He is ready to save—once and for all—and intercedes for us with the Father. He forgives sin, and when He does, it's gone. Jesus isn't about guilt or shame.

I find joy and strength in the fact that I have a Savior who understands me and knows where I'm coming from. Jesus has stood in my place, taken on my sin, and covered me with His righteousness. He died so that I might be right with God. He has made a way!

And He's made a way for you, too.