Coincidence? I don't think so. When this happens, I can almost picture the Lord turning the pages, holding my head (gently but firmly), and pointing to a specific verse. It happened to me not long ago, and this was the verse that He brought to my attention:
Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? (Romans 2:4, New International Version)
Even now, I am (as the words of the familiar hymn say) "Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, Prone to leave the God I love ...." I'm reminded of chasing butterflies. I'm distracted by something in my peripheral vision. I take one small step off the path, then another and another, all while chasing a butterfly that flits around in seemingly random directions. Before I know it, I'm far off the path. I may not be doing anything blatantly sinful, but I'm not following where the Lord is leading. I'm showing contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, right?
But that's not the end of the story, for in Christ we always have hope! Thank the Lord that He loves us in spite of our failures!
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9, New International Version)

I stand convicted, Melissa. But I do love the good news at the end!
ReplyDeleteChasing butterflies - what a perfect illustration! Thanks for the reminder this morning.
ReplyDeletethis verse – it gets to me to. I heart what you did with it– and what it did with you. In spite of our failures – YES – he loves us in spite of our failures. And I almost clicked on the Kellogg's thing above – I'm just not much of a joiner – but I almost did – so bring it back sometime soon if you can – I join things that people I trust are involved with – I just take a while sometimes. Thank you for the above post – and thank you for this post. God bless and keep you Melissa.
ReplyDeleteOuch is right and we all say it just that some(me) say it louder and more often(me again) than others. Thank you for the reminder and thank Him for the hope that we have!
ReplyDeleteI love when a verse jumps out like that. It couldn't be plainer. And, chasing butterflies? Yeah, I do that sometimes :)
ReplyDeleteYou're right: so easy to get off track. How blessed we are to have a Heavenly Father who points us home, via his Word.
ReplyDeletei love that you linked... what a beautiful place you have here... i'm looking forward to getting to know you better, friend. thank you for this imagery of chasing butterflies; for reminding me of what matters. bless you. xo
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