Don't Let Offense Derail You

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Jesus has a whole plan to come back to earth and set things right. By His perfect life and unjust death He has won the right to rule everything in love. He has shown Himself to be perfect in love and mercy, justice, and sovereignty, wisdom, and strength. He is glorious and His victory is sure.

In His mercy, He has included us in His plans. Whether you think He is returning soon, or in many years, you are part of His plan to return that He is currently walking out...

So often, I lose sight of the fact that His plans are so much more important than my feelings. When I don't see the intricacies of His plan in my actual life, I start to think the situations I am in with the people around me are about me. I start to allow my temporary and constantly changing feelings to determine how I react to others, rather than see God has orchestrated every relationship in my life as part of His plan.

I let myself get hurt, or angry, or judgmental when the people close to me hurt me, or resist me, minimize me, or don't understand me...but Jesus' plan is that I would focus on Him and see those around me how He sees them. Even those who resist me the most are loved by Jesus perfectly. He has plans for them, He created them just like He wanted them, and the same promises available to me are available to them.

I think about my kids when we are trying to leave on a trip. We have a bunch of things that have to come together for us to pack up and get out of the house. The times when they see the big picture, don't argue about little things, and work towards the same goal I have...those are always great starts to a vacation. But, the times when they argue about minor offenses, get self focused, and forget what I am trying to do...ugh...never a good start to a trip.

I want to agree with Jesus. I want eyes to see that He is taking us somewhere good. I want to help Him get everything ready to go. The Bible says that if I want to agree with Him, then I need to resist self focus, I need to ask Him for eyes to see my brothers and sisters like He does!

He is going to accomplish His purpose either way, but I want to be a part of what He is doing!

Isaiah 63:3 The LORD answers, “I have trampled the nations like grapes, and no one came to help me. I trampled them in my anger, and their blood has stained all my clothing. 4 I decided that the time to save my people had come; it was time to punish their enemies. 5 I was amazed when I looked and saw that there was no one to help me. But my anger made me strong, and I won the victory myself.

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