January 19, 2023
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. (1 Corinthians 15:10) ESV.
Paul, the author of (1 Corinthians), knew about past sins haunting a person as he experienced them. I have spoken of Paul’s past and how he persecuted the Christians in several of my Devotional Thoughts. He stood holding the coats of the men who stoned Stephen to death. Paul’s name was both feared and reviled by the early church. When Paul came to salvation in Jesus, he had to feel this guilt.
God had a particular task for Paul to perform, and the debilitating effects of guilt could not be a part of it. Paul had to make a choice; either he would stand in God’s Grace and Forgiveness, or he would allow his guilt to ruin him.
Paul chose to glory in the Grace of God. As a result of this choice, he was able to write the words of (v. 10), “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.” The best way for Paul to counteract the lies that the enemy wanted him to believe was to focus on God’s grace and serve Him with all his heart. The same is true for you and me. If guilt is holding us back, go to God and talk to Him about it. In His presence, we can find not only forgiveness but also restoration.
Moreover, I have a word for anyone holding someone’s past over them – not allowing them to forget their mistakes or the effects of what they did. You need to repent before God today if you are such a person. You are not God and do not have the right to withhold forgiveness from another person. You do not have the right to punish someone. God is the One Who deals with each individual. You must trust Him; if He has forgiven the person, you must accept it and move on. Would you join me in praying today?
Dear Heavenly Father, I am so in awe of Who You are. Thank You for Your boundless love, mercy, and forgiveness. As I sit in Your presence today, I ask You to restore me. Fill me with the assurance of my salvation and the comfort of Your acceptance. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
## Encouraging: When we forgive, we heal. When we let go, we grow.
God Bless you, Friends, and have a Blessed Day <><
Thoughts by Randall Stapleton is a Daily Devotion brought to you by The Bridge - Learn more at https://wearethebridge.org
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