Recently, a man I know was found out in a tangled mess of deception and lies. His family is in shambles as a result. Knowing a bit of his character, when I was told by a family member that he had recently accepted Christ, my immediate response was to roll my eyes and scrunch up my face in disgust, and think, “How convenient.”
I’m not sure what that reaction says more about – the man’s character or my (lack of) faith.
My reaction was exactly the same as many of his family members (namely, suspicion), and it is possible that is a last-ditch effort by him to patch back together something for those he has hurt. Yet I wondered if in reality my faith was so faint that I was as suspicious that God would use these less-than-ideal circumstances to redeem this man’s heart. I mean, isn’t that exactly how God rescued Paul? Isn’t the scripture chock full of shady characters being won over by an overwhelming grace? And if my day-to-day life doesn’t appear changed — I mean, if I’m not seeing God work out my lack of patience or anxiety, which I deem “minor” sins — then how can I expect God to change the heart of someone who had done such “major” offenses.
Perhaps his decision was a convenient Hail Mary, but that’s not for me to judge. I am afraid my reaction had more to do with my desire to see God rescue me from these everyday offenses, and my lack of faith that this is possible.
God, help me.
Well said Kelli.