2 Corinthians

Next time you are tempted to allow yourself

to be weighed down by forgiven sins,

remember that Jesus already got what you deserved.

He reminded me of that recently.

I was walking my dog Larry and started to slip on some sidewalk ice. I didn’t fall down and the thought popped into my mind, “I probably would have deserved that”.

I had been hashing over some past regrets. Not a healthy way for me to be spending my time on this beautiful dark evening under the stars with Larry and God.

As quickly as that downgrading thought entered my mind, I then also heard in my mind, “I GOT what you deserve.”

Such a swift response. It took my breath away.

Yes, my Jesus! You paid the ultimate price for all the sins I’ve committed and instead of me getting what was coming to me, You, my beautiful Savior, took the punishment I deserved.

You paid the ultimate price for me. And You have forgiven me. You continue to forgive me.

You didn’t deserve that. I did.

And I want to consciously and graciously accept the forgiveness You give,

and move on.

Because that’s what You desire.

Moving on.

Turning the opposite direction.

Doing better.

Being free.

“I GOT what you deserve.”

Regret and sin

need to be left in the past

– Susie Stewart

“Forget about what’s happened;
don’t keep going over old history.
Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new.
It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it?
There it is! I’m making a road through the desert,
rivers in the badlands.

– Isaiah 43:18,19 (MSG)

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

– 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

– Philippians 4:23,14 (NLT)

…this is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many.

– Matthew 26:28 (VOICE)

Photo taken by Susie Stewart

I’ve been realizing more and more that being offended is a choice. And really, when I concentrate so much on a person who offends me, I’m not able to concentrate on God or where He’s leading me. I’m spending too much time and energy thinking about how I’ve been offended. I’m thankful that God doesn’t do that with me. I’ve given Him plenty to be offended about. I heard Michael W. Smith speaking on a video once and he said something like, “I’ve made it my goal to never be offended by another person again.” That really made me think! How often do I get bent out of shape by another’s actions or attitudes when my focus really just needs to be on Jesus and running this race He’s called me to, and to extending the grace that’s been given to me.

– Susie Stewart

Therefore, I accept weakness, mistreatment, hardship, persecution, and difficulties suffered for Christ. It’s clear that when I’m weak, I’m strong.

– 2 Corinthians 12:10 (GW)

In return for my love they accuse me, but I give myself to prayer.

– Psalm 109:4 (ESV)

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

– John 8:36 (ESV)

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.

– Hebrews 12:1 (NLT)

Photo taken by Arik Stewart