For years I struggled with my calling because of shame. I could hear God pulling at my heart. When I was in his presence I would feel bold and ready to tackle whatever he called me to do. But it would not be long before guilt and shame would creep in leaving me paralyzed.
If you have ever wrestled with this same fight, I am writing this for you. Praying that you do not lose faith in times of weakness. because friend God’s mercy is sufficient.
In Part One of Faith Myths we touched on how the truth sets us free. (John 8:32) Today I want to talk about a truth that breaks the chains of shame.
Mistakes are a normal part of the growth process, and do not define your worth.
Whether we have faith or not we will make mistakes. Loving Jesus is not a replacement for the learning process.
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”
ROMANS 3:23
We have messed up in the past and will again in the future. God knew this when he called you. In his kindness, he has already provided the mercy you need. So take a deep breath and know that you do not have to let your shortcomings define you.
When we look at the life of Peter we see a perfect example of this! He was in a lot of ways a shining role model for faith of faith. Ready to die for Christ. Or at least he thought so. Well in theory he was ready to die.
He had to learn what it truly meant to lay his life down. Which was a sticky process. Full of doubt. An even the denial of Jesus, who he loved so dearly.
You guys sometimes the reality of what we’re called to do can hit us hard. When we are face-to-face with our calling and our purpose in a way that causes us to question everything.
Picture this:
You know God has called you to amazing things but you still make mistakes on the job you have now. And you have no idea if you will ever measure up.
You feel the undeniable pull towards ministry, but then comes that awkward moment when people start talking about you for the first time, and you’re left scratching your head, wondering how on earth to handle it with all the coolness and charm of a pro.
We know we’re called to raise our kids with loving patience but the tantrums are so big we wonder how it’s even possible.
The moment when faith goes from a theory to reality. Is a hard process to walk through. And can become an open door for gut-wrenching shame.
I want you to take a look at a warning Jesus gave Peter before he was faced with such a difficult, lesson.
“And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.”
Luke 22:31-34
Did you catch it?
God is making a clear diction between Peter’s ability to be perfect and Peter’s faith. Now there is a reason to shout!
Faith is not what stops us from making mistakes it’s what anchors us to the belief that the mercy of God will be sufficient.
We can face our shortcomings with peace knowing that our God has mercy. Not only does he have more than enough mercy but he desires to help us.
come boldly before the throne of God that we may obtain mercy and find help in the time of need.
Hebrews 4:16
In fact, the more weakness we have, the more we rely on God. This means his glory has that many more reasons to show through our lives. Making us shining examples of God’s grace to the lives of those around us.
This is why Paul said: “Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me.”
2 CORINTHIANS 12:9
When confronted by the enemy’s statement, “You are not good enough,” we can confidently respond by acknowledging our human limitations, but affirming our trust in God’s ability. We can say, “Perhaps I am not good enough on my own, but I believe that God is more than capable.”
When faced with the declaration, “It’s impossible,” we can counter by acknowledging that it may indeed be impossible for us alone but that it is not impossible for God. We can respond, “While it may seem impossible for me, I have faith that nothing is impossible for God.”
In response to the discouraging remark, “No way you can pull this off; look at all of the mistakes you have made in your past,” we can counter with a powerful declaration of resilience. We can say, “Nevertheless, by the grace of God, I am who I am. Despite my past mistakes, I believe in the transformative power of God’s grace.”
In short, faith has nothing to do with our ability to perform.
As children of God, we are called to believe in God’s mercy and grace. Listen for his voice, and stay ready to repent. as we worship him every day of our life.
Let God take care of everything else.
Here are 3 bible verses that highlight God’s mercy to hold onto today!
“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us, made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace!”
Ephesians 2:4-5 CSB
“As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”
Psalms 103:12 CSB
“Therefore the Lord is waiting to show you mercy, and is rising up to show you compassion, for the Lord is a just God. All who wait patiently for him are happy.”
Isaiah 30:18 CSB
Open up your bible and spend sometime falling in love with God’s word today!