But...

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 (NIV)

“I’ll never make myself good enough,” I declare.

“Of course, you won’t,” He says. “You are only good enough because I loved you enough to die for you. You are good in my eyes. I only see you clean and whole. So why do you strive so hard to win the love that I have already given you on the cross?”

“But…” I try once more.

“There are no ‘buts’ in my kingdom. I only see you through my unconditional love and grace. I’ve forgiven you. Forgive yourself. Quit trying so hard. Learn who I am. Read my Word. Make good choices for your life, and allow my grace to accomplish in you what only I can accomplish.”

“You make it sound so easy, but…”

“There is that ‘but’ again. Surrender is only hard when you refuse to let me have control.”

I leave ‘but” unspoken. However He knows it is there.

“You continually confess and ask for my forgiveness, and don’t get the fact that I forgave you once and for all on Calvary. I purify and cleanse you from all unrighteousness. Because you have asked for my forgiveness, you are pure and whole. It is the only way I see you. My heart is for you to see yourself through the love I have for you.”

I’m listening now.

“Just catch a glimpse of my love for you—the way I see you, and you will begin to see yourself as I see you.”

Would a glimpse be enough?  He looked down from the cross and glimpsed my heart. His last breath secured my forgiveness. No “buts” on Calvary. It was finished. Yes, His grace is sufficient. I choose to surrender. And I glimpse His overwhelming love for me. It is enough.

© 2018 Lynn Lacher

www.lynnlacher.com