Never Say Never

My Mom used to tell me when I was growing up.....given the right set of circumstances and the right frame of mind, it could happen to any of us....meaning....that none of us are above doing something that we said that we absolutely would not do. That is why I say "never say never". This is why I have to be really careful passing judgment on somebody I see doing, or saying, something that I don't agree with. That used to be a terrible fault of mine...until I got a bit older....and can still be sometimes, which is why I have to repent daily for some of my thoughts...and actions!!! I told a friend of mine that I really don't like to hear bad things said about people, because it causes me to form an opinion, which in a lot of cases is an entirely wrong opinion of that person. Whatever he/she did to cause "gossip" could have been said, or done, during one of those "right set of circumstances". It might have been totally out of character for them, but because of their "frame of mind" they did something that normally would not have even occurred to them. Sometimes, I don't have all the information that led to the decision they made. Unless you are around somebody for an extended period of time, and you are able to see first hand what their true motives are....don't believe everything that you hear. Speaking from experience...I have myself said and done things that I never thought I would. There are lots of life circumstances that we let affect us when we aren't truly resting in the Lord...and even then, we are only human, and sometimes we just plain old let life get to us!!!

To name a few, here are some things that can affect our moods and actions.....finances, divorce, new baby, appliance/car repairs, health concerns, death of a loved one, dealing with a spouse who is an alcoholic, dealing with a spouse who is a non-believer, sick children, wayward children....and this list could go on and on. We used to have a pastor friend who has passed away, but one of his favorite sayings was..."There, but by the grace of God go I". Oh, how much truth is in that. So many times I could have given in to letting the devil drag me down to his level...but, instead...I turned to God and gave the situation to Him.

Here is what Paul wrote in his letter to the Corinthians:

I Corinthians 15:9-11 (NKJV)

For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. Therefore, whether it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.

Paul admitted that he wasn't worthy of the grace God showed him...and Paul was the greatest preacher who ever lived, in my opinion. He stated that because of how he had persecuted the church, he wasn't even worthy to be called one of Jesus' apostles. Shouldn't that give us hope today? Look at all the bad things that Paul did and said....he even killed Christians!!! But, God was still able to use him...because of His precious grace and mercy!!! Sometimes I just get so excited when I type, my fingers just can't seem to keep up with my thoughts...and with what's pouring from my heart!!!! God is so gracious!!!

Here is one of my favorite verses (I know...I have bunches):

II Corinthians 12:9-10

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

In His Love....and with mine!!!