I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:1-2 ESV)
Do you live in the awareness of God’s mercy toward you? If so, how does that affect your decisions and the way you live?
In my childhood and teenage years I was conscious of God’s presence in a limited way. As a young adult that changed profoundly when I responded to His invitation in Matthew 11: 28, which says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” That was the beginning of the transformation that God had planned for my life. That was the beginning of my discovery of God’s love, His grace, and His mercy that He freely gives to me each and every day.
I was born with Spina Bifida. With that diagnosis came many questions and uncertainties about my future. Would I ever walk? Would I ever go to school like other children? Would I ever be physically capable of living a “normal” independent life as an adult? I’m sure these are just a few of the questions that my family was faced with in my early years.
Quite honestly, the Spina Bifida was only the beginning of my physical challenges. At different stages in my life, other physical issues have developed. I’ve always had a strong support system, but there have also been naysayers along the way.
At times, I have been inclined to listen to those negative people too much. I’ve listened as they have expressed their doubts about my future successes. Even now, it is challenging not to be adversely affected but other’s opinions. Thankfully, since I have received Jesus into my life, the Holy Spirit has been renewing my mind, which means transforming my thoughts and my life. His Word tells me that “I can do all things through him who gives me strength.” (Phil. 4:13) For me, embracing that as truth has been the first step to being able to live as I believe God would have me do. Instead of habitually thinking “I can’t do that,” my approach has become “Lord, I can’t accomplish anything without you, but with Your help, I know that I can do anything You ask of me.”
My heart’s desire is to worship the Lord in all I do. He’s done so much for me. He is completely worthy of my praises and my worship. My hope is that as people look at me, they will be able to see Jesus in my life. He has enabled me to do more than I ever thought would be possible. It blesses me when people say to me, “I want peace like you have.” That gives me the opportunity to tell them that the reason for my peace is Jesus.Scripture says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27) Also, “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” (Psalm 103:8)
My prayer is, “Father, thank you for Your Son, Jesus. Please help us to consider, and be motivated by Your love, Your grace and Your mercy in all we do. May we seek to honor You in our thoughts and deeds. In Jesus’ Name, AMEN.
