You know the story of how Adam landed us in the dilemma we’re in—first sin, then death, and no one exempt from either sin or death…But Adam, who got us into this, also points ahead to the One who will get us out of it. Romans 5: 12-14 (MSG)
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| Photo: Creationswap.com | Design: Wendy van Eyck |
That is all the note on my colleagues desk said.
Normally I can walk past her desk without pausing, but when I saw that all I wanted to do was pick up that note, and see what was underneath.
I wanted to ruffle the papers in the pile and see what was so important it needed a sign.
It made me think of Adam and Eve and how they must have felt when God told them, “Do not touch that tree.”
For a moment I understood how all they must have wanted to do was shake the branches and taste the fruit. All because they had been told not to.
I identified with Adam and Eve as I contemplated reaching out and touching the sign.
I realized that if Eve hadn’t been the first to sin it probably would have been me.
I think that is why I love Romans 5:12 – 14. It tells us that even though Adam got us into this mess - by not being able to resist the chance to touch something he shouldn’t have - God already had a plan to work all things for good.
While Adams’ sin affected the entire human race. Jesus’ actions affect all who believes in him.
Adam and Eve still had to deal with the punishment and consequences of their actions but they weren’t left there alone in their sin.
God was with them and he had a plan to redeem their sins through Jesus.
That is quite something to realize, that even in the midst of our sins, God is still there, he is still working for our good even as we struggle with the consequences.
Nothing in our lives is beyond fixing. (<-- click here to tweet this)
If God could fix the mess Adam and Eve got us into I’m sure he can fix whatever mess you get yourself into.
As I walked away from my colleagues’ desk without messing with anything I thanked God that he had a plan to save us from ourselves even we don’t walk away.
Have you messed with something that had a do not touch sign? Do you believe that God can redeem it (and you) if you ask him? Ask God to redeem the situation.
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This devotional originally appeared on Gateway News
A thought-provoking post, Wendy, as always. It is amazing what God has and does save us from. He knows the thoughts and intentions of the heart, even while we're congratulating ourselves that we didn't fall this time. His grace is indeed always more than sufficient to cover every sin.
ReplyDeleteWhether we suffer due to our own errors of judgement or by being subject to the failings of others - nothing is irredeemable. There is no pit so deep that He cannot pull us out of, no test that cannot become a glorious testimony of His saving grace, nor any mess He cannot transform into a message of hope for others.
Indeed:"Nothing in our lives is beyond fixing" as you so rightly say. God bless you for your wisdom, insights and heart of compassion. :)
Thanks Joy!
Deletei'm the classical raised by a christian mum and got pregnant outside marriage.but over the last few days i have come to believe that He still loves me and even if the worst comes,by His grace i will make it through somehow.thank you for the message,i know He will fix me
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to you. God loves you so, so, so much and your past isn't as important to him as your future. I really believe that nothing is beyond fixing. God can redeem your story. Lord Jesus please turn Melanie's story into something that brings hope and healing to many people. Amen.
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