I pulled into the parking lot long before the crazy arrived. I had my choice of spots, so I pulled around, backed in and then realized I had completely straddled a line. With only tired eyes to guide me, I tried again, then again. I stepped out and walked around my truck as if that would’ve helped. Nope. Still a bit catawampus. Later I tried to pull into a space head-on, but that was no better.

One of those days.

Then the Lord whispered:
Did you see it?
Did you see the lesson?
Your thoughts and your habits draw you dangerously close to the edges instead of focusing on what keeps you centered:

My love for you
And your love for Me.

A friend had said confession and repentance are important, and the work of Christ is not so fragile as to crumble when challenged, as if in complete repentance, temptation would have no power over me. There is some truth in that. I could do better.

But because my ransom was paid in Blood on the cross, forgiveness comes quickly following confession. Repentance, on the other hand, is a longer journey.

A turning around, a changing of mind and heart – repentance requires continual effort. My resolve to change will be challenged and if I stumble, doubt will creep in questioning if I repented at all. That is the deceiver’s intent.

And my heart is not as steadfast as I’d hoped it would be.

Good thing the Lord places rumble strips just outside the lines to keep me on the road and out of the ditches.

This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel says… Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21

Lord, I am grateful.

 

My heart is not as steadfast as I hoped that it would be.
And I pray that You may
Re-Create me.