What a MESS!

Have you ever really messed up? Have you ever done something way beyond stupid? Have you ever said things that you should have never said? Have you ever did something the wrong way? Have you ever hurt someone that you really loved? ... Have you angered someone because of the way you behave.?...

I think we all have done at least one stupid thing in our lives. And if you are like me, maybe you seem to do them quite a bit! Yes, of course, sometimes people just misunderstand you, and that hurts, too. But lets face it, all of us have areas in our lives that need changed!

I must admit, I have many areas in my life to change. In fact, I can get quite discouraged thinking about all my sins and shortcomings! For me, I have to repent a lot, ask people for forgiveness countless times..... I sure wish I walked in the Spirit of God more than in my stinking flesh! "Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh."

We should walk in the spirit more than in the dictates of our flesh. We should walk in love (God's love) more than we do. AND we can! But we cannot do it without Jesus. Jesus tells us in "John 15:4-5 "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." We can bring forth Godly fruit only through Jesus. It is when we walk and talk with Him, and let Him walk and talk trough us, that we are in the right spirit. As Jesus said,"for without me ye can do nothing." We can do nothing right without Him. And boy do we get in trouble when we try to do it on our own!!!

So, what do we do when we mess up? first, we repent. (Realize that we've done wrong, turn away from the wrong, and turn to God for help to change.) Then, if we can, we ask for forgiveness. I'm not saying everything will be alright then: we may have to pay the consequences, and/or the person(s) may not be able to forgive and trust us ever again. Also, if the situation calls for it, make restitution. You might have to ask God and a Godly counselor about how to do restitution: for the situation may be best left alone. Nonetheless, we need to do what God instructs us to do.

After that, we just have to let God work. We keep our hearts open before God, so that He can cleanse our hearts and minds. We have to walk in forgiveness: we have to forgive others, even if they can't forgive us; we have to receive God's forgiveness for ourselves; and we have to walk in forgiveness towards ourselves. We can't focus on what we've done, but focus on what God wants to do through us. Remember, we will become like what we focus on: if we focus on ourselves, we'll become more messed up; but if we focus on Jesus, we'll become like Him.

Is it easy giving it all to the LORD? No, sometimes it's easier than at other times, but Father God is our best friend, he will walk with us through it all. I have spent days weeping, and crying out to God for His help. I've asked Him to strengthen those I've hurt, to give them peace, and to help them forgive me for being a jerk........ but I must trust God. Only God can heal their pain and my pain as well. .....

I thank God for my family...... My husband and I have been together for thirty years. We have gone through rough times, and have hurt each other terribly at times. Nonetheless, we are still together because we forgive each other... Yes, there was a time that we could not trust each other, because the pain was so great, but we stayed together and grew stronger. My children all live with us still, and they've learned the valuable lesson of forgiveness as well. We've learned to understand each other, and still love one another. WOW! What a precious gift: to know someone and still love them! It makes me appreciate God's love- He knows me, and He still loves me! How awesome!