WHEN IT IS ME
Today's reading: Jeremiah 12-16

"You may ask yourself, Why is all this happening to me? It is because of your many sins!.." Jeremiah 13:22 NLT

There are several reasons why bad things may be happening in my life.

Firstly, I have been chosen by God to live in an evil world.

Secondly, the sins of others touch my life.

Thirdly, God, yes a loving God, allows things into our life that hurt, that really stink and that we don't really like--all so His glory can be revealed.

But fourthly, and this is the one with which I seem to have to greatest problem, tend to deny with all that's in me, and hate to confess to, but some bad things happen because of my sins.

That, friend and fellow traveler, is a hard pill to swallow.

I, like so many others, like to play the blame game.

I don't like to accept responsibility.

I don't like how it feels to 'fess up'.

I don't like the time, effort or heartache required for me to do a thorough heart evaluation and find myself lacking.

But I will accept it, right here and right now, that there are times when the tough times I endure are all my fault.

Maybe it boils down to an infected, pus-filled attitude.

Maybe I didn't deny myself, how I wanted to respond, how I wanted to react, how I wanted to get my own plan to work out--and I was going to make sure it happened.

Maybe, and may this never happen in your own life, I stood before God with my arms crossed and shouted--Not that way, Lord! I don't want to do it that way!

So, there is a possibility that you have nothing of value in my time of confession, but maybe you've seen a bit of yourself--and have the same sin problem I suffer with.

All grace to our Father, He has promised to forgive us of each and every sin we lay at His feet!