Jesus Loves Failures Like Me


 If you’ve ever felt frustrated by your own behavior, I understand. A few days ago I lost it as I drove across town. While traffic will probably never be my favorite thing, I’m really making an effort not to growl at the other drivers. J  But apparently all it takes is one elderly driver scooting along at 10 m.p.h. beneath the speed limit, and I’m toast.

And that makes me sad.

My heart desperately wants to do the right thing. I’d love to not even notice a slow driver in front of me. Yet time and time again I disappoint God and myself.

I fail.
For I do not understand my own actions—I am baffled, bewildered. I do not practice or accomplish what I wish, but I do the very thing that I loathe… (Romans 7:15)

Maybe you can relate. Maybe traffic doesn’t make you bonkers, but sassy kids rev you up (count me in on that one, too). Or perhaps your cranky neighbor drives you to the brink, or maybe it’s finances that make you go nuts.

Our bewildering failures can make us feel like, well, bewildered failures.

For I fail to practice the good deeds I desire to do, but the evil deeds that I do not desire to do are what I am ever doing. (Romans 7:18)

But I want you to know something. Jesus loves bewildered failures like us. And when we ask, He not only forgives us, but He gives us strength to try again—and actually improve and make progress.

Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him who loved us. (Romans 8:37)

These verses don’t mean we should slack off and not try at all. They mean that when we try and fail, Jesus understands. He enables us to do what we clearly cannot do without Him. And He has won a victory that we could never hope to win.

The next time we fail, let's ask God to remind He that He still loves us anyway, and that through His grace and strength, we can improve.

And pssst! I’m asking the Lord to tattoo these truths across my heart, so that the next time I’m in my car behind a senior citizen driving 10 m.p.h. under the speed limit, I won’t even notice.


6 comments:

Cheryl Barker said...

Oh yes, Julie, I can relate. It's encouraging, though, to know that even Paul had this struggle -- and even more encouraging to know that Jesus loves us anyway. Thank You, Lord!

Cindy in PA said...

Thank you Julie. It took me years to realize Jesus' love for me even when I fail. It brings me comfort and freedom! (PS Love your book too. I've gifted a couple of them and my friends appreciate the reminder to pray for themselves too!) Blessings!

Susan said...

Oh Julie, girl I am right there with you with the pokey drivers! And yes, the Lord continues to work on me, PTL. In MANY ways.

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

That is covenant love ... which I have been studying in Nehemiah.

Fondly,
Glenda

Paige Ward said...

Thank you for the reminder. :)

Hester's Heart said...

Julie,
Julie, Glad I'm not the only one;

Just drove home from Bible study and thought rear-ending wouldn't be so bad. I can't tell you how much the driver in front of me was literally DRIVING ME NUTS!! . . . .worst thing is that she pulled out of our church parking lot (but am not sure the lady it was) -- how embarrassing.

Love your verses Julie and thank you for sharing so openly!
Love to you, Hester

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