Tag: Redeemer

Not good enough

So many times we undertake a new thing and quickly judge ourselves for it not being “good enough.”

It’s easy to browbeat ourselves, but it isn’t very helpful.

I am guilty of expecting something closer to perfection when I embark on a new project even though I know this isn’t how it works.

We are blessed to live near our young grandchildren and we see them at least once a week. They have been learning to feed themselves, walk, talk, recognize letters, color, and all sorts of things. Everything is new for them and they aren’t great at most of it the 1-20th try. And yet, they keep trying new things — ALL DAY LONG!

It’s true, sometimes they get frustrated but we encourage them and cheer them on when we make progress.

Do that for yourself, too!

Even though I might be taking baby steps, I know God sees the bigger picture of my development and He is pleased with progress. And He can also work with the setbacks. He is the Great Redeemer!

So as you consider adding something new to your day — let’s say, 5 minutes of prayer or 10 minutes of walking or an extra glass of water — don’t chide yourself for not taking on a bigger challenge. Small steps add up to big progress.

And, today is a great day to start that new thing you’ve been thinking about.

Veiled in Flesh

Christ, by highest heav’n adored,
Christ, the everlasting Lord,
Late in time behold Him come,
Offspring of a virgin’s womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see,
Hail the incarnate Deity!
Pleased as Man with man to dwell,
Jesus, our Immanuel! *

I love how God works! He often takes the ordinary and does something amazing with it.

Our Redeemer was veiled in flesh.

And He dwelt among us. Who would have thought to look in a stable, amongst the animals?

When I ponder this plan it is both simple and complex:

  • So very rich and yet, so very poor.
  • So very dirty and yet, so very pure.
  • So very quiet and yet, so very loud.
  • So very vulnerable and yet, so very protected.
  • So very loved and yet, so very pursued.

As I think about the events that led up to the birth of Jesus, it is hard not to consider my own culture and experiences and make my own applications. I relate as I can but it doesn’t mean I have an accurate picture. Of course these things happened so long ago that it is hard to imagine the circumstances.

And so I trust that the One who has created the earth and all stars was able to execute the delivery of the Christ Child.

Come, Lord Jesus!
Liz

* Words written by Charles Wesley 1707-88