The Short Path to Grace
by Suzanne Hadley Gosselin on 06/18/2008 at 1:10 PM
In today's Boundless article, Nathan Zacharias talks about a topic I can relate to: failure. Or more precisely, what should be a believer's response to it? Nathan writes:
After some of life's breakdowns, it's tempting to throw in the towel on what the future holds. Sometimes I think that I've messed up so badly, that God will never be able to use me to do any good. That thought, though, warns me that I'm seriously underestimating the redemptive power of Christ.
When I look at the stories of the Bible, I have the benefit of seeing the big picture. I can read the story of Peter and realize that God restored him after he denied knowing Jesus, and that Peter went on to do many great things. But in having that big picture, I fail to see that Peter didn't know that at the time. In the midst of his greatest meltdown, he didn't know that he'd recover. He felt the same doubt, the same regret, and the same heartache that I do when I fail.
As much as we'd all like to avoid it, failure is part of being human. If we never said a harsh word, told a lie or made a sinful choice, how would we know of God's amazing grace? Nathan's article is a good reminder of the fresh start constantly offered to those who follow God and cling to the cross.
We all fail. Many times miserably. But in that heartbreaking moment when we realize we've become the worst version of ourselves, God will use that realization to restore us and direct us back to the right path. As Akaash sings as he recognizes his failure, "The journey home is never too long." Thank God, I've found that to be true.
I have also found that to be true. It is our enemy who wants us to feel defeated. Our Savior, on the other hand, is a God of short tallies and clean slates.
1. Rachael said the following at 1:20 PM on Jun 18:
In an e-mail to me yesterday, my mom reminded me that he who is forgiven much loves much. (perhaps getting that idea from Luke 7:47).
I hope that the recognition of my brokenness helps/will help me to love others in their brokenness.
In general I tend to feel drawn toward or tend to be aware of 'outsiders', perhaps in part because I know what it's like to feel like an outsider at times...
Anyway, having weakness in some respect can be advantageous in that it can help one identify w/ others' weaknesses, and ideally encourage them through them...
2. brx said the following at 4:11 PM on Jun 18:
"The Journey Home" - those lyrics captured me when I first heard them in Sarah Brightman's version. I still haven't seen the play, but the article renewed my interest!
Similarly, I think Rascal Flatts' "Bless the Broken Road" is a great reminder that God's navigation can still cover us even when we think we're lost in the weeds.
Grace, peace, adventure ...and a ladder now and then to look out over the weeds
3. val said the following at 10:09 AM on Jun 19:
i thought this article brought an interesting perspective, but i have to disagree on the GOD=GPS thing..
our senior pastor has been on a roll with this analogy and I think it couldn't be more wrong.
it implies we can do as we like, that God will always look out for us and 'recalculate' the easiest route to the right path.
it implies an 'easy path'.
what about Hosea and Gomer? how is it considered an easy path when God asks you to mary a prostitute?
what about Job?
also, as christians,
isn't it all about the journey? the 'becoming like christ' part that never come to completion (while on this earth, of course)?
the route will surely not be easy.
4. Tami said the following at 10:38 AM on Jun 19:
"By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going.... All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own."
-- Hebrews 11:8, 13-14
I just finished my study of Abraham this morning, which really illustrated the thought that God keeps us on track, despite the "side roads" we take on our own (and the consequences thereof). Abraham was a friend of God, but he sure wasn't perfect; this is what makes him such a great example for us. An eternal perspective and a reliance on the faithfulness of He Who promised is critical, and is truly what keeps us on track despite our weaknesses and failings. :)