Sometimes we are called to proclaim God’s love even when we are not yet fully able to live it. Does that mean we are hypocrites? Only when our words no longer call us to conversion. Nobody completely lives up to his or her own ideals and visions. But by proclaiming our ideals and visions with great conviction and great humility, we may gradually grow into the truth we speak. As long as we know that our lives will always speak louder than our words, we can trust that our words will remain humble.
(Henri Nouwen, quoted in A Million Little Ways by Emily P. Freeman, page 167)
The one thing about blogging that absolutely scares me is this thought that I may not be living up to the very thing I am writing about. I know life is a journey and my walk with God is a process. I can offer grace more freely to others than to myself. Most often when I blog, my words are more a challenge to myself to live up to those words than to others. And yet knowing I may not always live up to my own words should not stop me from writing them.
Writing the words has almost become freeing to me. Writing the words calls me to live more fully in relationship to God. My words challenge me to rely on Him more heavily each and every day.
I am going to fail in some way, each and every day. Perhaps multiple times a day. But here is what I am learning – – – Failure does not mean that I do not believe in Him or in His Word. Failure means there is still a long way I have to go in this process of transformation. It means my God is not done with the work which must be accomplished yet in my life.
Faith is believing God is still at work in me even when I fail. Even in my weaknesses.
“For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10, NLT)
I am joining …. Unite and Soli Deo Gloria and Titus 2 Tues. and Testimony Tues. and Titus 2sdays and Teaching What Is Good and Teach Me Tues. and Outside The City Gates and Tell Me A Story .
Oh, yes. When we are weak, we are strong in Him and He gets the glory! I understand the desire to be true to what you are writing and appreciate your transparency about failure. Thanks for the encouragement to keep on even when we do fail. And thanks for linking up to Testimony Tuesday! Much love!
Holly, thank you for always being encouraging!
Yes! What a beautiful post. I have been changed by the words of Henri Nouwen – love his writing. You might enjoy Reaching Out, too. So glad you included that verse from 2 Corinthians. It was in my mind the whole time I was reading the post. Last night, my daughter was describing all the hoops her Catholic friends had to jump through to be “confirmed”. She was confused: “For us, it’s so easy – you just accept Christ”. Yes! He does all the work! He needs us to confess our weakness. This is the meaning of Grace and it is very hard for our human brains to get around.
I read your post on the conversation with your daughter. It was a great post. Grace has been offered so freely & easily to us out of His great love for us. And you are so right, we make it hard & difficult for ourselves to accept. Praying for you as you continue to guide your daughter. I am glad that you stopped & visited with me!
Oh sweet friend, this is message I really needed today. Such beautiful encouragement. Thank you for how you show up and share your heart with us.
You’re a blessing.
Much love,
Beth
I am grateful if my words offered encouragement. Truly. Thank you for being you!
Love,
Joanne
Hi, I’m visiting from Titus 2 Tuesday.
Great, great post! <3! I couldn't agree more. Thank you for your transparency and the encouragement!
Blessings,
Jenni
And thank you for the visit!
Thank you so much dear Joanne for this encouraging post!!! Thank you ofr your tranparency! I too fail and often worry about the same thing. Yes when we are weak then He is strong!!! Love and hugs to you my dear friend!!!!
Natasha, lay we continue to lean on His strength. Each & every day. Love to you as well! I so enjoy all that you post!
It’s a journey. You are sharing your journey with us. Failure is not failure, it is just an opportunity to show us how to grow, how to keep going, and how grace is given. <3 Thank you for sharing your journey with us.
Thank you, Shelly. The journey with Him is so worth all that we go through. You are a blessing!