Arise – Beloved Women – July 8, 2020
READ: “For the righteous man falls seven times, and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity” (Proverbs 24:16 ESV)
TODAY’S ENCOURAGEMENT: Watching a baby take their first steps is always a joy to see. They take a step, fall down, cry, and once you encourage them to try again, they try again. Babies don’t have an understanding of what’s happening when they fall, and if we show them it’s okay, nothing bad has happened, try again; they take that spirit of persistence into their older years.
Our Heavenly Father is reminding us that it’s okay to take another step. He sees that we’ve fallen. Fallen into sin. Fallen into transgression. Fallen into trouble. Fallen back into old habits. Whatever the case may be, take another step. He sees that the fall has stopped us from trying again and from moving forward. The church has often shamed people into repentance or shamed people into doing what’s right, but the truth of the matter is that God is not keeping score as Isaiah 43:25 tells us, “I yes, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins.” He reminds us that it will happen and it won’t be just a one time occurrence. It will happen more than once and when it happens, not IF, we get back up and take another step.
Let us be encouraged that the all knowing Father knows what’s ahead and He is not hanging our mistakes or shortcomings over our head. He says, arise. Keep going in the right direction. Now, that’s positive reinforcement!
PRAY: Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for your work on the cross through Jesus Christ and for bearing the weight of sin that I should have carried. You remind us, it is done. Thank You for the sobering reality that we will fall, but we don’t remain there. I ask Lord, that You help me continue charging ahead. I pray that You would remind me to not allow shame to keep me hostage. However many steps it takes, that’s what I’ll do. Remind me daily that my faith walk isn’t about perfection but sanctification. You’re the one at work in me. Thank You for your mercies that are new every morning, Father God. I thank You for your unconditional love. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
REFLECT: Has shame been keeping you from talking to God? Remember He has said in His Word, that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Approach the throne of grace, He will meet you there. The door is locked from the inside, set yourself free. The work is done.
CONNECT: Find more encouragement from Jenn Fernandez on Instagram @rubia115 where I humanize my walk with the Lord and be sure to check out my website https://jfer.squarespace.com, where you can find a link to my spoken word EP: Step + Repeat, where I share my journey on finding myself.
NEED MORE BELOVED: If you like the Beloved Women Daily Devotional you will love the Beloved Women’s Online Conference. This a one-day event is filled with speakers, worship, workshops and more to refresh, refuel, and empower women like us to find rest for our souls, peace for our minds, and hope for the journey. Our mission is to replenish the women who do so much for their families and communities so they can continue to build better futures for themselves and those they love and serve. If you’re ready to energize your relationship with God learn more and register today at https://www.belovedconference.org.
© 2020 by Jenn Fernandez. All rights reserved.
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