Be Real with God
real |ˈrē(ə)l| adjective 1 actually existing as a thing or occurring in fact; not imagined or supposed: She just wanted something real.
As Christians (and especially as women), we can be so hard on ourselves sometimes. We preach about grace and mercy for "sinners" and often forget that we will always be in need of grace and mercy each day for ourselves (no matter how long we've been following after God). God's grace and mercy are available for all of us, and all of us need to access those gifts every single day of our lives!
"My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness. So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me… For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
God talks about how His strength is made known to us when we recognize our weaknesses and our need for Him. I love how magnificent, yet approachable God is. Think of the friend in your life that you can call on a moment's notice with the best news or deep, deep hurt. That's what God wants to be for us. He wants to be the first place we run when our heart breaks. He wants to be the first place we come when our hearts are exploding with joy and thanksgiving.
God wants to be in a REAL relationship with YOU and with me. That's why He created us!
"And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins." Hebrews 8:12
Thankfully, God doesn't keep track of our sins. But He doesn't keep track of our righteous deeds either. Our striving to become "perfect" or our punishing ourselves for mistakes we’ve made does not move the heart of the Father.
"But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners." Romans 4:5
It is by our faith in God and our acceptance of the grace He has given to us that we are saved! It is not our works, but our heart toward God that moves Him in compassion toward us. So we don’t need to focus on regrets or mistakes or achievements or success. Instead, we want to focus on growing deeper in our relationship with God each day by keeping it real with Him. By coming boldly and confidently to His throne, exactly as we are.
"So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most." Hebrews 4:16
Our weakness, humanity, and failures can serve a purpose when we lean completely on God. It is there that our weakness becomes strength. It is there that we find mercy and grace for our daily lives. And it is out of that compassion and love that we are able to give out of our abundance to others.
So, live out of the grace, peace, mercy, and love of our Father. Give yourself permission to accept His grace and mercy for yourself and for others. There is more than enough to go around!
XO-
Sabrina