“But God, who is rich in mercy . . . made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved).” Ephesians 2:4a,5b (NKJV)
I knew better when I bought the coat. I got stuck in it while trying it on, but my sisters convinced me it was quite stylish. Surely I’d figure out the tricky belt clasp. The trouble came the first day I wore it. I stepped out of the car and couldn’t move. The belt was caught in the closed door, and I was pinned to the car!
No problem. I would just undo the belt. Or so I thought. I tried frantically, but without success. With people beginning to stare, I awkwardly managed to wriggle my way out. Heading home, belt still dangling out the door, I couldn’t stop laughing, “I knew better!”
Sometimes we make choices we know aren’t good for us. It can lead us into a place of bondage or feeling stuck. And it’s no laughing matter. In the Bible, Adam and Eve knew better, but still ate the fruit. Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery. They knew better, but over and over we see the same pattern repeated!
But God knew better. God, who is rich in mercy, knew we needed a way to be free of our guilt and shame. While we were yet dead in trespasses and sin, He made a way to give us life through Christ. This is grace. His grace sought out Adam and Eve in the garden after they sinned. His grace raised Joseph to a place of power so he could help his brothers. His grace brought the prodigal son back home. His grace is what saves. By receiving it, we can be free from those “I knew better” moments. It’s this place of mercy and grace where mistakes are redeemed, and regret doesn’t have to rule us anymore. (By the way, that coat quickly got thrifted. Someone else out there may be enjoying it as much as I did!)
– Kim (Hill) Elias
Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada.
The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website.
Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org