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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Walk (07/20/06)
As soon as I opened the door, I could see that something about him was different.
With a big smile, he grabbed me, gave me a hug and a kiss, and announced,

“I had a great week-end! But we can talk about that later. Tell me how your
week-end was.”

And so it began. My husband had found Jesus on a retreat week-end, while I was somewhat lagging behind spiritually. That night of his return, he suggested enthusiastically,

“Let’s pray together. Let’s ask God to forgive us of the sins we’ve committed today.”

Was I ever offended by the suggestion that I had sinned that day!

“Huh! What are you talking about? I haven’t sinned today!”

“Of course you have. We both have. We sin everyday.”

I became very defensive. Why should I ask the Lord for forgiveness? I hadn’t murdered anyone. I hadn’t robbed a bank or committed adultery. For what did I need to feel sorry?

Within a few short months, I too, dedicated my life to Jesus Christ.

*****
That was ten years ago. I have been walking with Jesus for a decade. Before I knew my Savior, I thought I was a good person who didn’t need to confess anything because I had never done anything that needed forgiving. Since I have met the Lord, I know better.

I am a sinner. I sin everyday. I have thoughts that are less than godly. I think things like, ‘How could she cheat on him? I just wanna strangle her!’ I pray that in my anger (which I believe is justifiable anger), I will not sin. I ask the Lord to help me pray for people even when I don’t want to do so. I would much rather strangle her than pray for
her, but I can’t. What would Jesus do? He would probably pray something like, “Father, forgive her. She doesn’t know what she’s doing.” If Jesus can pray like that, I should try to do it, too.

I yell at my children. I don’t hit them, but I yell at them. I lose my patience. This is especially true after nine o’clock at night, when they should be in bed, but they are not.
Patience is a Fruit of the Spirit. If I have the Holy Spirit in me, why am I still losing my patience?

It is a long walk, the Christian Life. At times I am so full of the joy of the Lord I can’t help but cry. And sing. At times I am so full of pain, I can’t help but cry. I cry out to Him. Then He reminds me that I am suffering with him, and, for that reason, I must also sing.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Carla Feagans
07/31/06
Boy, did this resonate with me. You captured this so perfectly. I'm right there sinning and singing with you. Thanks so much for sharing this.
terri tiffany
08/01/06
Your beginning kept the action going very nicely. Your message was great though you might want to do some spacing on it for better readability. I think this would be a good devotional.
Jan Ackerson
08/01/06
Great title--catchy, and it totally captures the essense of the piece.
Joanne Sher 
08/01/06
I liked the contrast between the "old you" and the "New you." Great title - and a story I could definitely relate to!
Jen Davis
08/02/06
I had to laugh a little at the way you became defensive with your husband, and yet it is very sad that many people don't recognize sin. You're right, it is a long walk: one that lasts a lifetime. Good job.
Dawn Dale
08/08/06
I have a feeling you have a lot more to write about...look forward to that!
Zuanne Joubert
08/15/06
Yes we sin, but if we think back, to all those years ago, we have come along way. We still do many things wrong, (especially the way we treat hubby and children) but we care that we do, and want to change that - those years we didn't care. If God didn't find us - we would still be living ignorant terrible lifes. How great is our God.
Catharine Parks
08/28/06
This is a great piece and well written. You learned one of life's great lessons...so many Christians are still learning what you have been taught..or have never gotten past the sinning part and recognizing that it is a learning lesson and thus the never ending circle of defeat...good work!