2:254 – I’m Not Ok and That’s Ok

#faithbites #faithjourney #redletterchallenge Ok

Before we get started, let’s take a moment to remember September 11, 2001. The lives lost that day, the lives that continue to be lost from first responders, the lives in the wars fought since. Let us never forget the day that America, and the world, changed forever. Amen

Here’s the big shocker of today: I am a big ole hot mess. I don’t have it together. You may think I have my stuff together, but I am held together by old twine and duct tape. As it said in our red-letter challenge lesson for today: I’m like an old couch. I look great on the outside, but don’t lift up the cushions and see the mess underneath.

Today has been a hard day. Just busy, stressful, and unappreciated. But we are all like that. We feel that we have to put on a mask for others.

The key lesson is no matter the shame, the hurt, the messiness that we are, we are already saved by faith.

Scripture

• For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. – Ephesians 2:8-9
• I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful.  I know that full well. – Psalms 139:14

Reflection

Being a hot mess is part of the human condition. We need to forgive ourselves because “the cross has made you flawless”. God has forgiven us through Christ. Nothing but faith made that happen. So let your wounds and scars show. Let your hurt show. You aren’t perfect, and that’s ok.

God made us perfect. He made us in his image and we are saved.

Challenge

It is ok to say “I’m not ok”. Take time today to acknowledge your hurts, bumps, and bruises. Know that you are loved by Christ no matter what. You are forgiven.

Prayer

Lord God, we are so blessed by your amazing grace and love. Through Jesus, we are saved and forgiven. Help us to forgive ourselves. Help us to show others that we aren’t perfect. We are broken, sinful, and need grace and love. Be with us as we forgive others and share your grace with them. In your wonderful name, Amen.