Return to Sender – Invite Not Accepted

Have you ever had a pity party? Have you invited God? Did He come? News Flash, God is not coming to your pity party. Self-pity at its core is a heart issue; pity is selfish and seeks to draw others towards it. There is an old saying; misery loves company, but misery does not just love company, it demands it. Misery or self-pity is like a parasite that needs others to help it grow. Self-pity pulls others in and drains their energy. Woe-is-me and Self-pity are twins. Many do not realize that the woe-is-me attitude is a form of pride. The sulking and woe-is-me behavior intentionally pulls people in and once in, the pity party can really begin -- there is an audience. Once the party starts you can talk about all your issues and how your troubles outweigh God’s grace or God’s ability to make things better.

The Bible tells us that even in sickness and adversity that “ALL things work together for good to them that love the Lord and are called according to His Purpose” (Romans 8:28). Nonetheless, this can be difficult to embrace when a person is going through a bad time. Believers must not just know Romans 8:28 but believe it. When things are going well in life, it is easy to walk in or lean on the fact that ALL things work together for good. However, when trials come and the storms are raging, Romans 8:28, is not always readily embraced and believed. Instead of resting on the promises of God, instead of remembering that God said, He will “never leave you nor forsake you,” and “all things work for good,” Christians tend to sulk and complain. When situations do not go as planned many doubt God’s grace, mercy, and abilities. In the dark place some get discouraged, some believe that the Lord is no longer with them. The darker the place the deeper the despair can be. The enemy will make lies look like truth. It is in the pit that the issues of your heart are revealed, and it is in that place that God grows you.

No one likes adversity, consequences, dark places, or being broken. Often, it is in those places where God’s grace, mercy, and purpose shine brightest. It is during the storm that God’s promises must be remembered and believed. No matter what life throws your way, God is intentional and “ALL things work together for good for those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose.”

PRAYER: Lord, please help us stop planning pity parties. Help us to remember Your promises. Help us to truly rest on Your Word, to believe Your Word, and to trust You during life’s tough times. Lord, when we are standing in the midst of the storm help us to represent You well, help us remember that Your Word guides us in good times and in bad times. When we doubt You, Lord, please forgive us. Lord, dispel our disbelief and continue to show us grace and mercy. Thank You for Your faithfulness even when we lack faith. Thank You, for Your Grace even when we don’t deserve it. Thank You, for Your Mercy. Help us Lord, to remember what You said when the sun is shining, still holds true in the darkness. Thank You, Lord, for the lessons that grow us and ultimately make us better. Moreover, Lord, thank You for Your Son, Jesus Christ,
who died for our sins. In Jesus Name, Amen.
By Sis. Patricia Towns