"...We rejoice in the hope of the glory of God." Romans 5:2
I do not meet the requirements of the law, but Jesus did.
I fail every day, but he never did.
The essence, the sweet aroma of the gospel is his power and glory being revealed in my weakness and inadequacy.
"For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness by faith that is from first to last, just as it is written: the righteous will live by faith. " Romans 1:17
I remember I used to be a little scared of Romans. I knew it was where people used verses to describe the gospel, but I never "got" it. When I read it, it seemed very depressing to me. I knew I didn't keep the law and wasn't righteous. I knew I had to have faith...but did I?
Experiencing Runaway Syndrome made it seem like someone was screaming "Failure!" at me every time I came crawling back to the Lord, burdened by guilt and shame. I knew what I should be doing, and I wasn't doing it. But like a good father to a prodigal daughter, the Lord lavished unmerited love and bestowed the kindest of mercies on me. As I continued to run and return, run and return, he knew I was headed for destruction because I didn't understand the gospel.
So wrapped up in a works-based, moralistic religion masquerading as Christianity, I felt constantly condemned and unworthy. The important part was keeping all the rules, or at least pretending to keep them. Beneath the guise of 'moral perfection' lay a self-seeking heart interested in self-fulfillment and improvement while living under the law - which leads to death. How thankful I am for grace and the freedom to admit my sinfulness. Freedom to mess up and still be loved.
Thank you, LORD for the gospel of grace! Paul writes the truth about the justice of God. He will give each man what he deserves. It is depressing to think that we deserve wrath and judgment, but the GOOD NEWS is that he no longer judges us as impure because the perfect blood of Jesus covers us.
The Lord is continuing to keep me on my toes and reminding me to rest in uncertainty. It is refreshing in a way, because I can relinquish the need to have control when I rest in his grace.
I found out today that Mary Frances and I will have the kindergarten class at the Inwood site for the Summer Program! (At least that is what we know to be true today - you never know what will happen tomorrow at Exodus.) The whole idea of teaching kindergarteners already leaves me feeling totally inadequate and unprepared, but I am still excited. I am excited because I get to love and teach these kids, but also because I know the Lord is going to be glorified in my lack of ability. I think he does such great things through us when we realize that we are so needy and can't fall back on our own gifts or strengths. I'm looking forward to getting our classroom ready tomorrow and having a few more adventures before Summer Program begins early on Monday morning!
Spending time lesson planning and preparing for the summer at Inwood this week has been nothing less than delightful. The staff there is so much fun and really welcoming. While Mary and I will be teaching, Martha took on the role of being the assistant to the Inwood director, Kenia. The girls and I agree that it feels good to have a more defined role and purpose, and we are thankful to be able to contribute to what is happening at Inwood.
I am so thankful for the people the Lord put in my life, both near and far, for challenging me, loving me, encouraging me, sharpening me, praying for me and sharing their hearts with me.
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| Exodus Intern Love |
May the grace and peace of our heavenly Father overflow in your lives!
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