Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence by Sarah Young - Don't be so hard on yourself.

Yesterday's devotional (May 9) from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young, really hit close to home for me.  Lately I often have the feeling of, "I've messed up again.  I'm never going to get this right.  Another failure in living a life that is supposed to look like Christ."  Oh, how I beat myself up sometimes!  The following devotional gave me that gentle reminder that I needed, that I don't have to be so hard on myself.  God doesn't expect perfection from me.

Sarah Young writes this from the perspective of Jesus . . .

"Don't be so hard on yourself.  I can bring good even out of your mistakes.  Your finite mind tends to look backward, longing to undo decisions you have come to regret.  This is a waste of time and energy, leading only to frustration.  Instead of floundering in the past, release your mistakes to Me.  Look to Me in trust, anticipating that My infinite creativity can weave both good choices and bad into a lovely design.

Because you are human, you will continue to make mistakes.  Thinking that you should live an error-free life is symptomatic of pride.  Your failures can be a source of blessing, humbling you and giving you empathy for other people in their weaknesses.  Best of all, failure highlights your dependence on Me.  I am able to bring beauty out of the morass of your mistakes.  Trust Me, and watch to see what I will do."  See Romans 8:28 and Micah 7:7

I highly recommend using this devotional book by Sarah Young in your quiet time.  It's really been a blessing to me.

 
About the Book

Uniquely inspired treasures from heaven for every day of the year by missionary Sarah Young.
Jesus Calling is a devotional filled with uniquely inspired treasures from heaven for every day of the year.  After many years of writing in her prayer journal, missionary Sarah Young decided to listen to God with pen in hand, writing down whatever she believed He was saying to her.  It was awkward at first, but gradually her journaling changed from monologue to dialogue.  She knew her writings were not inspired as Scripture is, but journaling helped her grow closer to God.  Others were blessed as she shared her writings, until people all over the world were using her messages.  They are written from Jesus' point of view, thus the title Jesus Calling.  It is Sarah's fervent prayer that our Savior may bless readers with His presence and His peace in ever deeper measure.

About the Author

SARAH YOUNG is quietly leading thousands of women worldwide on a journey of intimacy with Christ. Sarah has a philosophy degree from Wellesley College, a counseling degree from Georgia State University, a Master’s degree from Tufts University, and studied with Francis Schaeffer’s L’Abri Fellowship. Sarah and her husband have traveled around the world planting churches and counseling, and they currently reside in Australia.