Solos

Today’s Truth
The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

That’s when I thank Jesus for the nails – not one, but three — nails that pierced His hands and feet so that we can be forgiven. Even when we fail, Jesus forgives us when we ask and restores us when we fall.

It’s called G-r-a-c-e.

(1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT)

Dear Lord, when I encounter temptation today, help me to walk away, right away. Give me the wisdom not to fiddle with it, the strength not to give in to it, and the courage to turn my back on it. Thank You for always providing a way out.

Colossians 3:12-14 reminds me, "… as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity" (NIV).
My job isn’t to fix this person or make them see my side of things. My job is to obey God by offering an extension of the forgiveness I’ve been given. But I can also stay healthy in this situation by remembering forgiveness doesn’t mean giving this person access in my life that sets me up for destructive patterns.
Encouragement for Today

God loves broken. M.R. DeHann says it beautifully:

God loves broken.
"God used two broken stones tablets to cause the Israelites to repent of their disobedience.
God used broken earthen vessels to give the impression of an enormous army accompanying Gideon.
God used a broken heart to return King David to himself.
God used a broken roof to provide access for a cripple to be lowered by four faithful friends into the healing presence of Jesus.
God used broken loaves to feed five thousand and then some.
God used broken fishing nest to challenge the disciple to depend on him rather than their own efforts for their needs.
God used a broken ship to steer Paul to the island of Malta to reveal the gospel to the natives there.
God used a broken body, pierced for our sins, to provide salvation for all humankind."
Today, embrace the pain in your life. Celebrate the broken places. Surrender them to your God and let Him heal them for your good and His glory.