“Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while— yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter.” (2 Corinthians 7:8-11 NIV)

Hurt. Sorrow. Suffering.

There are times I feel that I am the victim of someone else’s choices. I feel hurt, sorrow, and suffering.

I cry out to God, “Why? I haven’t done anything wrong! Why do I have to deal with this?”

I play the victim. And maybe occasionally I am the victim. Maybe the hurt I feel isn’t my fault.

But then again…

Maybe it is my fault.

Maybe God is allowing this trial.

Maybe this is godly sorrow that is designed to produce repentance. Repentance that leads to salvation.

Maybe this is godly sorrow that is designed to produce repentance. Click To Tweet

Perhaps rather than looking at everyone else’s behavior, instead of focusing on the choices of others, I should put my eyes on Jesus.

I should turn to Jesus and ask His Spirit to reveal my wrong doing, my mistakes, my sin.

I should pray for open eyes and an honest heart. One willing to admit I’m not perfect… that I have done wrong… that. I. sin.

I should willing step into the light, confess my junk — all of it! — and allow the cleansing forgiveness to Jesus to wash over me.

Hurt. Sorrow. Suffering.

Perhaps it is for my good and God’s glory. Perhaps I should trust God with these circumstances and allow him to refine me as He has promised and as I claim to desire.

Lord, what a selfish mess I am. What a prideful, stubborn creator I continue to be. Examine my heart, Lord, and reveal any wickedness you find there. Lead me to repentance. In your name I pray. Amen. 

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This post was written while reading quietly through God’s word. Our time in the word doesn’t have to fancy, but we should strive to make it meaningful. How? By relying on the Spirit to speak to us through the pages of His word. We may rely on Him to speak, but we have the responsibility to open up His book — the place where He reveals who He is.

Want a simply reading plan to get started reading your Bible? Consider downloading Quietly Through : A Two-Year Bible Reading Plan. You might also be interested in joining a small Facebook group full of other women following the same reading plan. Come check us out.

Only by grace,

Kelli

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I just joined the #quietlythroughthursday #linkup! Click To Tweet

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You may enjoy these link ups as well: Chasing Community, Fresh Market Friday, Heart Encouragement, Monday @ Soul Survival, RaRaLinkUp, #Tea&Word, Warriors in the Word

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