Exception or the Rule?

The Cafe is Welcoming Guest Barista, Susan Lawrence today!

Are you an “I know someone who…” person? You know, anytime you hear a story, you respond with something like…


“My friend Sherry had that same medical condition, and she….!”

“That reminds me of my uncle, except he actually…!”

“You think that’s crazy? Wait until you hear this!”


If you’re not the one who responds with a story, you likely know someone who does. Someone who has a bigger and better experience to share. And it doesn’t have to be bigger and better in a good way. Don’t you know people who can top any medical condition, family crisis, or work horror story? There’s always an exception!


With God there is no exception.

He created each one of us. We’re all sinners. We’re all in need of a Savior. Jesus died for each of us. We’re each held to God’s standards. We all fall short of those standards. But we can still have eternal life with Him.


No exceptions.


And yet we feel as if we’re the exception. We think we’re unworthy. We feel like failures.


In what areas of your life are you challenged to fully accept God’s forgiveness and love?


Jot a few words on a sticky note to reflect your struggles to fully accept God’s mercy. If you’re struggling to think of anything, examine areas of your life you try to control or experiences you feel are out of your control. Both are reflections of not completely surrendering to God’s power.


Consider the following verses:

· The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation. – Psalm 145:9

· For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. – Matthew 7:8

· For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. – John 3:16

You’re included in “everyone,” my friend. Look at what’s written on your sticky note. Is your situation too big for God? Nothing is impossible with God. - John 1:37


Take God at His Word. You’re exceptional, because He created you, but you’re not the exception. He can handle your issues, experiences, and struggles. Even more, He wants to handle them.


Give it all to Him, including what’s on your sticky note. And as you pray the following, crumble your note, just as God desires to crumble all the barriers between you and Him.


Trust in the LORD and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires.


Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you. He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.

Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act.
- Psalm 37:3-7a

In Him,

Susan Lawrence

http://susanhlawrence.blogspot.com/