Someone who is suffering as a result of his own foolishness or failure may read these words. These griefs are hard indeed to bear, for we feel we might easily have avoided them. We have no one to blame but ourselves, and there isn't much consolation there. Sometimes we imagine that we must bear this kind of trouble alone, but that is a mistake.
The Lamb of God, slain for us, has borne all of our griefs and carried all of our sorrows, no matter what their origin. All grief and sorrow is the result of sin somewhere along the line, but Christ received them willingly. It is nothing but pride that keeps me from asking Him to help me to bear the troubles which are my own fault.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, take away mine. I take Him at His word indeed, Christ died for sinners--this I read-- And in my heart I find a need Of Him to be my Savior. (Dora Greenwell)
My own reflections: Realizing that our sin has severed our relationship with God is one thing. But staying depressed becuase of our sin is to reject the grace that is extended to us. And that is exactly what the Enemy wants us to do. By God's strength may we not give in.
(from July 16th's devotional: http://www.elisabethelliot.org/devotional.html)
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