In high school, I only had to read Charles Dickens' novel 'A Tale of Two Cities'. Now as an adult, I've read and reread all his novels. My favorite? 'Bleak House', where I gallop through over 850 pages, hoping the ending doesn't come too soon.
Within those pages, I ran across this quote from one of the main characters, Esther Summerson. Her friend, Ada, wonders if Esther and Ada's guardian, the owner of Bleak House, John Jarndice, could ever forgive Ada for some information hidden from both Esther and John. Here's what Ada asks--'Esther, will you forgive me? Will my cousin John forgive me?' 'My dear' said I (Esther), 'to doubt for a moment is to do him a great wrong.' That's when Esther's comment made me grit my teeth coupled with a tinge of sadness.
God forgives me. Jesus went to the Cross to offer His life as a ransom for all my sins...past, present, and future. Each and every one of them. Throughout the Bible, the message of forgiveness is presented and promised. What else can God do?
Then again, what should we do? Hire a skywriter so we don't forget? Ask God for a definite sign or two? Have some saint pin us down until we say 'uncle' admitting we're forgiven? No. Get off myself for He's done enough.
In the Old Testament book of Jeremiah, God says this--'...for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more' (Jer. 31: 34). There it is. Believe it or not. This is not Ripley speaking. Rather the Word of God Himself.
To doubt Him and His Word must hurt Him. Wounds and pains Jesus. I don't usually think of my doubts in those terms. Do you? But maybe we should. Have some consideration for the feelings of others, especially our God. Be careful of what we say. What we think. Words not spoken out loud that cut Him to the quick. Private curses that no one else can hear. Except God.
So, is it time to make nice with God? To take Him at His Word for a change? If so, you've got to know your Bible, where you read of His promises. Hear about Jesus and His myriad commitments, all of which He'll keep. His Word is as good as gold. Even better.
To be honest, I'm not much of a role model. I have fears galore. Catastrophize at the drop of a hat, on pins and needles, coupled with jitters and fidgets. Sometimes, especially on some downer day, I wonder if God even likes me.
See, I have much growing up to do in my life with Jesus. I need more maturing. More beefing up of my trust in God. Settling down and relaxing by Jesus' side, while blossoming a bit more for my Lord. But here's what keeps me going--He's not done with me. Or you. Thank God!
Consider yourself blessed. And forgiven if you have faith in Jesus. Not perfect as we'll all fall flat on our faces. But then get right back up, looking into His face, and believe Him for He means every word He says. Pin your hopes on the Lord. Last but not least? No. First and foremost.
Lord Jesus, for forgiving me I am so thankful. Bless you. Amen.
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