F is for Fail

Have you ever notice how many of our biblical heros had colossal FAILS? This fact alone should put to bed the theory that the Judeo-Christian bible is fabricated by men to invent a religion to gain some sort of twisted popularity. Who in their right mind would want to create and promote a religion with so many screw ups to champions their cause? If I were going to invent a religion and hope it went viral, I certainly wouldn’t include people whose character and actions cast doubt on their credibility. But that’s exactly what happened…God’s message to us includes the good, the bad and the ugly…

Case in point:

1. Adam and Eve: Rebellious and obviously cannot follow directions.

2. Abraham: The father of three major world faiths…even though sometimes he doubted and did the exact oppo­site of what he was told.

3. Jonah: My way (which is in the opposite direction) is better than your way. NOT!

4. David: Sex, Lies and Murder.

5. Peter: Impulsive. Excitable. Hasty. Impetuous.

6. Pretty much all of JC’s disciples at one time or another.

7. Saul (Paul) who hunted Christians for sport.

8. Rahab: streetwalker ancestor to the King of Kings.

Did you see yourself in any of these stories? No, not literally, but how about in theory? Do you ever feel like you’ve completely blown it when it comes to God and his acceptance? Do you know you’re on the wrong track and think it’s too late to change?

Somewhere in our minds we cling to the theory that we have to clean up our act before God will open the door and invite us in. It’s like we think we need to spend time in a decontamination chamber and grovel before His feet before we’re worthy enough to be forgiven and accepted.

Well…let’s just put that theory to rest right now. And here’s the bombshell…..There is nothing we can do to be “good enough.” So, there it is….deal with it.

Because nothing in our past matters to God as long as our hearts desire to be close to Him. God’s patience is never-ending and his mercies are endless. Even though we may be ashamed of ourselves and the things we’ve done, the invitation to turn back towards him is always open…without judgement…and with full acceptance. He forgives and forgets our fails, and encourages us to focus on the positive and move forward in His truth to a satisfying future.

Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. ~Isaiah 55:6-9

Now, correct me if I’m wrong but nowhere in that passage does it state there’s a mandatory waiting period before we’re *good enough* for God’s grace. We’ve all done things we wish we hadn’t done. Some of these things may even be considered unforgivable in many circles. But God is willing to work with us to overcome every single obstacle in our lives. But we have to want it.

We begin our life journey any number of ways…some are easy and others are hard. We will get lost and take long detours. We will fail ourselves, others and God numerous times during our life journey. Our fails will try and identify us and destroy our peace…making us think we’re not good enough to ask God for forgiveness and mercy.

But realizing the transforming power of God’s love is how a vicious persecutor becomes a saint; how an impetuous fool becomes the rock of an entire religion; how someone who makes questionable decisions ends up a respected and faithful leader; how a social outcast is forever validated in history.

God never gives up on us. We’re the ones who usually give up on ourselves, each other and Him.

Linking up with ABC Wednesday, Round 14