Small Adjustments Can Make a Big Difference - Girlfriends in God - May 4, 2016

May 4, 2016
Small Adjustments Can Make a Big Difference
Gwen Smith

Today’s Truth

Are you [actually] unaware or ignorant [of the fact] that God’s kindness leads you to repentance [that is, to change your inner self, your old way of thinking—seek His purpose for your life]? (Romans 2:4b, AMP)

Friend to Friend

I was speaking in Georgia that particular weekend. On day two of the retreat I woke up early and turned on the water in the beautiful tiled shower. As it heated up I noticed that the showerhead was mounted on an off-centered pole. It seemed very low, and was spraying straight along the plane of the wall.

I’m a tall chick, so as I stepped in and positioned myself under the showerhead I had to squat and stand very close to the wall. {Awesome. A quad workout! Shower bonus.}

As I shampooed my hair, my legs were on fire from squatting. And then a thought crossed my mind… MAYBE the showerhead can be raised!

I turned around and tried to lift it higher. It went higher! YES!

What a difference! I was totally giddy … grateful that I could stand tall as I finished up. Not overly bothered by the fact that I was still hugging the wall to catch the water stream.

And then another thought popped into my groggy, haven’t-had-my-coffee-yet head…

MAYBE the shower head also turns toward the center!?

Cautiously optimistic, I raised an eyebrow and turned around one more time to give the head a wiggle. It was adjustable! FANTASTIC!

The space was amazing! I was free to move. Free to stand tall. Free to relax. And free to finish what I’d started with a fresh joy and gratitude.

A few small tweaks made all the difference!

In the book of Romans, Paul addressed a few areas where the early church needed to make some tweaks. He spoke of the sinfulness of all people and also about the difference in the way non-believers and believers see and address sin. He told the Roman believers to be humble in the ways they judged others and to recognize that God is the judge of all. He encouraged Jesus followers to examine their hearts and reminded them that it is the kindness of the Lord that leads us to repentance.

“Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?” (Romans 2:4, NLT)

This is as important for you and me today as it was for the people of the early church back then. As I considered my funny shower challenge I was reminded that a few small spiritual tweaks each day can make all the difference too.

As a Jesus lover, I have the opportunity every day to step into the fresh grace of God - to be washed in His goodness. As I do He showers mercy and faithfulness over me that renews my soul. When I open my heart in prayer, His Spirit connects me to the path of His will and convicts me toward His holiness.

These moments of connection and conviction cause me to consider the condition of my heart as well as the circumstances that surround me. I’m forced to assess soul situations, my emotions, edgy responses, unkind words, missed opportunities, snippy attitudes, and the myriad rebellion I’ve got going on.

As the Spirit of God brings these matters to me I address each one, then ask the Lord to lift the showerhead of my heart up a little or over a bit. To align it in a spacious place where I can stand tall and free for the day ahead. His grace meets me in the asking.

And in the grace of Jesus, my soul finds room to breathe. I’m renewed. Positioned to move in a joy and gratitude that is rooted in His never-ending love.

Let’s Pray

Dear Lord,

Thank You for giving me this day. As I quiet my heart before You, please show me the ways that I can grow more in Your holiness. Create a clean heart in me, Lord. Free me freshly in Your grace.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

Spend a few moments in prayer and reflection about a small tweak or two that the Lord might be leading you toward.

Read Psalm 51.

More from the Girlfriends

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