Not Burdensome

I was hurting and coddling my hurt, because, as I reasoned out, I had the right to feel the pain. My feelings were violated and I was angry. Somebody had committed a wrong against me and I desperately wanted to seek justice on my own.

On the other hand, a small part of me wanted to forgive. However, my stubborn self did not want to. I was reminded of what the Lord commanded: to forgive just as He has forgiven me. But I relented. I could not just let pass the harm done, could I? No, of course not, I told myself. I will teach her a lesson. I will not humble down.  Still, I felt uncomfortable and heavy-hearted. I knew for a fact that this is not what my King wants from me.

But, Lord, that was just unfair! That was harsh and I cannot forgive just like that! I know forgiveness is what you want me to do but this is just so difficult! Not now, Lord, not now…maybe later…

These are just some of the protestations that ran through my head. I fell asleep, ranting against my King and His will. Early morning I woke up to a new day. And since it was covenant time with Him, I excitedly opened my Bible for my devotion, hoping that the Lord has something else for me that day, something that has nothing to do with forgiveness.

I sincerely sought Him and asked Him to tell whatever He wanted to tell me.

And then it came like an unexpected gift.

For sure, it has nothing to do with forgiveness. He gave me more than that. It’s all about obeying His commands. And His commands are not burdensome because He has overcome the world; He has conquered the enemy.

What was it that God commanded of me that night? To forgive just as He has forgiven me.

What did I tell Him of this command? It is too hard; I cannot do it.

And what is He telling me now? My child, My commands are not burdensome because those born of God have overcome the world.

Am I born of God? Yes. (John 1:9, John 5:24).

Have I overcome the world? Yes, not by myself but through His Only Son, Jesus Christ.

Then, I can freely forgive. Then, I will forgive. I must forgive—freely, completely, happily, all for my Savior and King.

Praise Him!

Psalm 9:1 exclaims: I will praise the Lord with all my heart; I will tell of all His wonders!

And indeed, I will praise Him and will tell of all His wonders.

A few weeks ago, or more precisely last April 15, I commemorated a milestone in my life, a feat that the Lord has graciously granted to me. By His Holy Spirit, I had this desire to celebrate God's love by sharing His love to other people. I confided the desire to my special friend and by God's perfect design, he, too, was about to celebrate His victory in his life on the same date.

The rest, as they said, is history. But it was not just an ordinary history, it was a victorious history that only the Lord Jesus can give. As I have written in my previous entry, I have personally seen and great was my joy to be humbled down, challenged by, and encouraged to share more of His love through Jesus Christ to all nations (and this means, people groups).

A few days after that, God gave another victory by His perfect design through my profession. He really is a faithful God and He keeps His promises, especially in Matthew 6:33.

I am still euphoric and will continue to extol His name at all times!