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Listen while you read: "Simply Trusting"1 (Lyrics) |
I am one of those so-called stubborn elderly people holding onto my independence tooth and nail. I have rejected help, saying, "Please, let me do things in my own home." I find people are very helpful anyway, so when I can't get my coat all the way on, I step out of my unit into the hallway where there is always someone, and they all know by now that when I appear with my coat hanging, I need their assistance to look decent.
I do my own grocery shopping in the nearby store, and as usual, a helping hand is available to read the date on the milk bag. When I am trying to reach something with my better arm, a voice next to me says, "Let me get that for you." One day in the lineup, a young man before me offered his place to me and even helped put my purchases on the counter and then back into my baskets on the walker. I thanked him so very much and said, "You know, I am just making a big show here that I am crippled." He laughed, saying, "I like the acting and the show, but let me help you anyway." Everyone around was laughing.
Getting home, I thought about how I can make a big show before the Lord, but He is not laughing! He does not buy our falsehood going about things before Him.
I remember the day when I walked by an elderly person without saying hello or asking if she was okay. Coming home, it bothered me that I had shown kindness to some but not all. I tried to fool the Lord by demonstrating my human ability to reason around the truth, trying to pretend to God that I didn't do anything wrong. The whole thought escalated into a huge issue, and I struggled with being such a show. Finally, I whispered a prayer for the lady and asked for forgiveness that I had missed an opportunity to be kind. Since then, I have done better about greeting people, because that one time is not leaving my memory. I thank God for giving me new opportunities. How could I be so sincerely wrong and not dependent on Christ's complete truth about my situation?
In fact, He looks for a contrite heart that truly is sorry, hurting, broken before the Lord, and pleading for mercy. The forgiveness and grace of Jesus is the only way to become free of all the sin, doubt, and wrong in life. When we unload our heavy burden of sin at His feet, we can know that we are forgiven.
We can't fool Jesus, however we try! But Jesus does not fool us when He receives us as His lost sheep. The Lord asks us to be honest about ourselves — that's all.
Psalm 97:10 – Let those who love the Lord hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked. (NIV)
Philippians 4:7 – And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
Prayer: Thank You, Lord, that "therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Amen! (Romans 8:1 NIV)
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Bless you Kristi.
Great HONEST sharing.
(CA)
Thanks for an honest word today Kirsti!
Blessings.
Kirsti, Thank you for your honesty in this devotional. You’ve encouraged me. Blessings.
Dear Kirsti
You and I have come to know the truth of the adage: “Old age isn’t for sissies”. Thank God for the kindness of others. And thank you for sharing your faith to inspire us.
Hi, I liked that reading. I like that you prayed for forgiveness and moved on and learned from the experience.
I waste more time feeling bad and then mad at myself – instead of accepting forgiveness and learning and moving on. Thanks for reminding me of Romans 8:1!
Kristi, I love it: thanks for being honest. Independence and “let me do it my way” sometimes get in the way of “walking the walk” God’s way. But as you quoted, We are not condemned; and might I add, we are redeemed by the finished work of Christ. He looked after my past, present and future behavior, that first Easter weekend.
God bless you my dear: Just so you know I’m no spring chicken, will be 84 this year. Your brother in God’s family.
Thank you, Kirsti, for sharing your story and part of the struggle we face as seniors in trying to remain independent. I can certainly relate to some of those instances when accepting God-sent help would have created a special moment for both the giver and the recipient (me), just like your beautiful moment in the grocery store. If we can realize that it’s not all about ‘us’, and how important it is for us to interact with God’s people, it might encourage us to move forward in faith, helping us to avoid stumbling over our pride.
You sound like God gifted you with a great sense of humour too, and that’s a wonderful gift to share with others. Your reminder to “Be Honest About Ourselves” is resonating with me, and I’m sure it will do so with many others. Thanks again and may God continue to bless you on your walk with Him.
(ON)
Thank you, Kirsti, for your very precious Devotional.
It will be greatly remembered.
Hello there! Christ is risen!
When I read your Presbycan Daily devotional what you said went right to my heart. I am a totally blind woman and I also cling to independence tooth and nail. In fact, I often get rather abrupt with people, well-meaning though I know them to be, if they try to assist me when I feel I don’t need help. It somehow seems like a slight to my own abilities or something.
I think you should cling to your independence as long as you can. Knowing you can do things for yourself is always a boost to the self-confidence. But if you do need help, and if people are willing to help you, don’t feel guilty. You’re absolutely right to say that we can never put on a show before Him.
Thanks very much for reading this.
Dear Kirsti,
Thank you for a truly gospel (good news) message.
I too use a walker, and accept help (indeed ask for it) in the grocery store.
I’m thankful I can drive my car.
Keep writing.
Praying for you today.
Kirsti – loved this devotional. It fits so well with recent themes that helping others is usually inconvenient and may be risky to us, but YOU KNOW that God has already forgiven your indiscretion that you describe. I also liked, in your devotional, you highlighting, that despite all the terrible things and people in the world, there are still many good and kind people as well. God Bless you.