We Mess Up, God Embraces

We will see how God cares for us

1: Choices and Their Ripples Exodus 11:4-5

The story of Egypt in the Bible paints a vivid picture of how crucial our choices can be. Whenever Pharaoh ignored God's instructions, life became harder for the people of Egypt. This teaches us that our decisions don't just affect us—they touch others' lives too.

As a big challenge loomed over Egypt, God gave the Israelites a special task: mark their doors with lamb's blood. This was more than just an action—it was a symbol of their trust in God. And this trust kept them safe. When we place our trust in God, we invite countless blessings into our lives.

Picture this: a row of dominoes. Knock one over, and the rest follow. Similarly, our decisions can influence many. Egypt's troubles affected the whole country. Even today, leaders' decisions can create ripples worldwide. For example, some leaders, thinking only of themselves, can disrupt global peace. Remember: "Our choices are ours, but their results? They're out of our control."

Deuteronomy 30:19-20 gives us some wise words about this: "This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses... choose life, so that you may love the Lord your God." It's a reminder from God about how valuable our choices are.

2: God's Gift of a Second Chance

We all mess up sometimes, don't we? But here's the amazing news: God loves us immensely. He sent Jesus to reconnect us with Him. Picture Jesus as a bridge, linking us back to God and offering a chance at eternal life.

Romans 3:23 tells us "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." That means everyone makes mistakes. But John 3:16 shares the hope: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son..." This promise is for everyone who believes.

Imagine breaking a mirror. Every piece reflects a mistake we've made. But with Jesus's love, those broken pieces can come together again, shining brighter than ever. It's like a stained-glass window crafted from our very lives, with each color representing God's grace in our mistakes.

"Grace is the love you get even when you think you don't deserve it." - Paul Zahl

Ephesians 2:8-9 says it beautifully: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith... it is the gift of God." This means no matter how many mistakes we make, we're saved if we keep our focus on Jesus.

Point 3: Embracing God's Loving Dance

God's love is like a dance. He leads, and we follow. Every step is full of joy, every moment a blessing.

There's a beautiful art in Japan. They fix broken pottery with gold, showing that broken things can be made beautiful again. Similarly, God's love can heal our broken parts, making them shine even brighter.

Grace is like rain that comes to a dry land. It gives life, no matter how tough the ground. Just like this rain, God's grace revives us.

To sum it up, grace isn't just a word. It's a life-changing force. It transforms, heals, and brings us closer to God.

Conclusion

Our choices leave marks. But even when we mess up, God's love is always there. Let's trust Him and spread His message of love and hope far and wide.

May God's undying love light our way and guide every choice. Amen.