Message Not Delivered

By Melissa Schrock

But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13b-14 (ESV)
Cellphones. Can you remember life before them? An era when communication took time and patience? Last week I discovered my phone was not delivering all text messages. Some recipients would get my messages, others would not. 
This morning I was frantically searching Google for answers. Why were messages not making it? As I stared at the cellphone screen with stress bubbling up within me, my kids were talking to me and finally yelled, "Mom! Mom!” Ugh. I had let this silly device get in the way of the little one talking right in front of my face, in my presence. I would like to say I put down my phone and my stress subsided, but that was not the case. I put down the phone yet continued into my morning with frustration.
This afternoon as I reflect on the cellphone incident, I am taken aback. How often has God sent me messages that I have not received? How many times have the sins of pride or selfishness kept me from hearing or seeing God's words for me? Why does a cell phone malfunction make me more upset than my own sin problem that keeps me from getting the most important messages?
So as I look at my failures, I accept redemptive grace through Jesus and I move forward, pressing onward to the high calling. I received an important message today. One that stills me. One that calms the raging life around me, and I sit at the cross in His presence.
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace that He richly poured out on us with all wisdom and understanding. Ephesians 1:7-8 (CSB)

Faith Step: What message is God trying to send you? Stand with heart bowed, hands out and receive the message.


And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9a (NKJV)

Melissa Schrock

Melissa Schrock is a wife, mom of 4, and the author of the book Released: From Dark Pit to Life with Abundant Hope. Melissa enjoys using everyday life situations in her writing to remind us of God's truths.

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