2021 Daily Devotion - Day 457

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Full transparency here – after the loss of my husband, Mark, and seven years in the desert (so to speak), I was invited to Mount of Olives Church by one of my neighbors. It was 18 years ago when I first walked through the doors of Mount of Olives. It felt like the sermon that Sunday was directed right at me. Everything I was feeling was said during that sermon. God knew I would be there that day, and He knew I needed to hear the words He had given Pastor Steward that very Sunday.

At first I wondered how can someone like me could be loved so deeply by God when I have done so many wrong things in my life, made so many bad decisions and even yelled and cursed at Him because of Mark’s death? I truly believed the Lord had taken Mark as punishment for my sinful life. Boy, was I wrong!

When I heard Pastor talk about having a “Relationship with God”, I was shocked. I had no idea – I, a sinful and lost human, could have a relationship with the risen Lord of all. That very fact changed everything for me.

I purchased my first Bible and then started reading about all these flawed and sinful people God had used – people like King David who broke at least seven of God’s commandments, Paul known for persecuting and killing Christians, Peter who denied Him three times, Moses who never thought himself qualified enough and kept questioning the Lord, along with so many others. Not just men, there are over 300 women in the Bible the Lord used to build His kingdom. That’s when I thought maybe God can use me. Maybe, just maybe, I can become a “daughter of the King.” The song “Amazing Grace” comes to mind, “I once was lost but now I’m found, I once was blind but now I see.” We never know how God can and will use us, yes, even a sinful and lost daughter like me.

I love my life. I consider myself to be completely blessed every day because of my “relationship” with God. Even when I have difficult days, and I do, I know for a fact God has me in the palm of His hand because of my relationship with Him. This was one of the Bible verses God revealed to me when I started reading my Bible. Knowing God is always listening and always available, brings me to tears; tears of knowing how deeply He loves me.

2 Samuel 22:7
In my distress I called out to the Lord; I called out to my God. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came to his ears.

Pray with me:
Father God, we thank You, for even when we are in the “desert” struggling with whatever life has thrown at us, You are right there with us. Help us each day to thank You for providing exactly what we need; whether it be for that moment or for the entire day. We know each day brings a new beginning and You will be there to carry us through. We know this because You gave us Your Word, and Your Word never changes. It is true yesterday, today and tomorrow! In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen!

Maria Gleckl
Cursillo Member LC 103
Mount of Olives Church Member
Mount of Olives Church
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