Fallible
A Devotional from Carole Brown
When we pray for those who have
despitefully used and persecuted us,
it is marvelous how soon the soul gets
calm and tender.
--Unknown
Not too long ago, I had a couple who became angry at me for a very stupid reason. I was crushed. Hurt. Troubled. Angry. How could they? After all I'd done for them. After all the love I'd poured out on them.
After all I'd done... Would something bad happen to them because of the way they'd treated me?
I cried and fretted to myself. Talked and whined to my husband. Shed more tears. Why had this happened? God, where are you when I need you? I wanted to scream the words at him.
This went on for several weeks and there was no difference. Nothing. I was sure I couldn't bear it.
But God.
God didn't forsake me. Instead, he was gently strengthening me by teaching me to lean on Him much more than I ever had before.
God talked with me:
· Learn to lean on me.
· Draw close to me.
· Trust me.
· Be willing and obedient for HIS WILL
Oh, how much I needed these lessons. They didn't happen in an hour, a day, or even a week. But as I slowly accepted God's word to me, I began to feel peace in my heart again. I began to feel forgiveness, and then the peace and tenderness flowed back into my heart.
Are things perfect because of this? No...but better. No apologies, but at least some communication. No, things aren't back to the way they were before, and that's the point. Maybe God doesn't want it to be as before. Maybe, just maybe, He wants it much better.
One thing I know. He has a plan. If I'm obedient to whatever He says, if I pray and forgive, God will give the increase. Whatever that is.
Matthew 6: 14 & 15: For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. [KJV]
Christmas Angels Blurb
Her mother called her a failure, and maybe she was. Her husband was gone—in the service, yes, but if he loved her—really loved her, why didn't he write? Or call? Or send the money she needed?
She was scared too, afraid of being alone, and though she loved this sweet little bundle of joy—her baby—well, was she smart enough and strong enough to raise her? She didn't mind doing without all the nice things she'd love to have, but not being able to provide luxuries like Christmas trees, ornaments and presents for her baby girl was beyond enduring.
What she needed was a miracle...and that wasn't going to happen.
Buy Link:
About Carole:
Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. An author of ten books, she loves to weave suspense and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of romance and whimsy and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons?
Links:
Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Carole-Brown/e/B00EZV4RFY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1427898838&sr=8-1
Twitter: https://twitter.com/browncarole212
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sunnywrtr/boards/
Stitches in Time: http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/
Giveaway:
Carole is giving away one Kindle copy of From the Lake to the River Anthology, in which her Christmas Angels novella is featured. To enter, leave your name and contact information in the comment section below. This giveaway will run for one week from today, ending Friday, October 12, at Midnight, Central Time.
Note: For an EXTRA entry: Answer Carole’s optional question: Have you ever had to forgive someone when you didn't feel like it? How did you get through this?
thank you so much for allowing me to visit again, dear Peg! It's always a pleasure. I've shared. Let me know if at any time if you'd like to visit my blog (Weds).
ReplyDeleteThe pleasure is all mine, Carole. Thank you. And thanks for your help in promoting the devo. Blessings ...
DeleteThank you, Carole for this thought-provoking post! Yes, I have had to forgive someone when I didn't feel like it. Often it is not an easy thing to do, especially when the hurt is great. It is then that I have to turn to the Lord and cast the situation on Him. I cannot forive of my own accord, but it is in surrendering to Jesus that He enables me to forgive. And how can I not forgive when Christ has forgiven me for everything?! I once read of how Corrie Ten Boom, years after her horrible experience in a Nazi concentration camp, was approached by one of the very guards who had been at that camp. Loathsome memories, anger and hurt overcame her as recognition struck her of who he was. The man with tears in his eyes reached out his hand, telling her how God had redeemed him when he gave his life to the Lord, and how very sorry he was for the wrongs he had committed against her and so many others. He asked if she would forgive him. Corrie was repulsed. Forgive him? Never! God then reminded her of how He had unconditionally forgiven her. Why could she not do the same for this man. "Lord," she prayed, "I cannot forgive this man, but I can reach out my hand. You will have to do the rest." In surrender, she reached out and took the man's hand. Corrie relayed that in that moment of obedience, she felt the peace of the Lord wash over her and Christ's forgiveness ruled in her heart. All bitterness was gone, and she felt complete forgiveness for that guard.
ReplyDeleteThis story so touched my heart! When I am in a hurtful situation, I try to remember the inspiration of Corrie's testimony. In submission to Jesus, I reach out my hand, and He enables me to forgive.
Carole, your novella, Christmas Angels, sounds wonderful! Thank you for the chance to win a copy of 'From the Lake to the River Anthology'! ~Alison Boss
nj(dot)bossman(at)gmail(dot)com
Hi, Allison, good to see you here again. Your words about Corrie Ten Boom touched me. What faith and courage she showed toward her one-time persecutor. She was such a strong woman despite the harships she endured. You are in the drawing.
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DeleteWhat a beautiful story from Corrie ten Boom! How mighty is our God, and though we are weak, he is forever more strength! Thank you for commenting, Allison!
ReplyDeleteThis giveaway is now closed. The winner of the Kindle copy is: ALLISON BOSS. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Carole and Peggy!!!
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