That moment when you realize…

Some days go by smoothly, without incident, others not so much. When those “not so much” days happen, it can make you feel a little helpless, been there, done that. One such time I got in my car and turned on the music and heard a beautiful rendition of “There’s a sweet, sweet spirit in this place and I know that it’s the Spirit of the Lord”, that made my tears flow as I said, “God, I am broken, I need help.” He spoke to my heart, “Everyone is broken in one way or another, and you only see your own chips and cracks. Your favorite coffee mug has a bad chip in it yet you continue to use it every day. Quit feeling sorry for yourself!” As I pondered that thought, the Voices of Lee began to sing “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross on which the Prince of Glory died, My richest gain I count but loss and pour contempt on all my pride.” Oh thank you God for speaking to me. I bound up my hurt feelings, but I had a moment of realization! I’m not talking about suddenly realizing that Smart Balance taste as good as butter, or the Chick Fil A chicken sandwich is better than the Martin’s, I am talking about real life changing moments. Adam and Eve had one in the Garden when after eating the fruit they heard God, out for His evening stroll, calling them. They realized they were naked and tried to cover themselves. This changed life for them…and us. Look at Isaac: Genesis 27:33 Isaac started to tremble, shaking violently. He said, “Then who hunted game and brought it to me? I finished the meal just now, before you walked in. And I blessed him—he’s blessed for good!” He had blessed the wrong son and now could do nothing to change it, too late. Samson’s moment: Judges 16:20-21 Then she said, “The Philistines are on you, Samson!” He woke up, thinking, “I’ll go out, like always, and shake free.” He didn’t realize that God had abandoned him! The Philistines grabbed him, gouged out his eyes, and took him down to Gaza. David’s moment: 2 Samuel 12:11-13 This is what the Lord says: Because of what you have done, I will cause your own household to rebel against you…Then David confessed to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” Nathan replied, “Yes, but the Lord has forgiven you, and you won’t die for this sin. Judas betrayed Jesus, and when he had his moment of realization he couldn’t bear his sin, he hanged himself. What about the Apostle Peter? He denied Jesus three times, but the Lord knew his heart and asks him; John 21:17-19 “Do you love me?” so he answered, “Master, you know everything there is to know. You’ve got to know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. And then he commanded, “Follow me.” I have had Aha moments about myself that shook me down to my repentant knees, and some that ended relationships. It’s like being in a completely dark room, hands outstretched trying to find the wall or piece of furniture, when the light suddenly turns on, the light may then go out but the image of what you have seen in the room is burned in your mind and you can find your way out. God gives us these revelations so that we can make changes, positive changes, in our lives. Heed these moments; know that God helps us if we only ask! Psalms 139:23 “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” May you have peace and productive moments of realization for yourself!