I was at my wit’s end. I just couldn’t take it anymore.

So much so that I disregarded my dripping-wet hair, put on my Nike’s and walked through the front door into a gloomy 40 degree day—with little Bear on a leash in my left hand, and what felt like the weight of the world on my right shoulder.

Today was messy. Today didn’t go as planned. Today I felt like giving up. Today, I just lost it.

Yes, today I lost it. Today I sinned—I got impatient, I spoke unkindly and I put myself first. Today I did not put Christ on display. I just didn’t feel like it.

But the best part? The good news? God doesn’t expect me to be perfect. His word tells me that we ALL sin and fall short of God’s glory {Romans 3:23}. The truth is that I will never fully “arrive”—I will never be the perfect Christian. No, not ever.

But that’s not an excuse to keep sinning. It’s a reason to repent, to make my apologies and to rejoice!

It’s a reason to say, “Thank you God, for your grace and mercy. Thank you for sending your Son to die in my place and pay the penalty for my sins.”

It’s a reason to say, “God, give me strength to keep going–and keep growing. Help me to live my life for the sole purpose of pleasing you.” {2 Corinthians 5:9}

It’s a reason to rejoice and remember that tomorrow is a new day, and God’s mercies are new each morning.

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
    his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.

{Lamentations 3:22-23}

It’s a reason to try again.

Jen

2 corinthians 5:9 all have sinned and fall short bad days blog about hope Christianity Faith forgiveness Grace mercy messy days repentance romans 3:23 Trials