The truth hurts!

Let me rephrase that—truth that reveals immorally unfit behavior or character traits that show us in a unfavorable light hurt.

More truth—just because we don’t agree with something, doesn’t mean the something isn't true. Sometimes folk are in denial. Sometimes people can’t handle the truth. Sometimes, individuals are incapable of seeing themselves in a negative way. And sometimes, the masses choose to walk according to their own devices.

That’s exactly what happened in Jeremiah’s day. After Jeremiah had visited the potter’s house, God instructed him to tell the people to turn from their evil ways and be saved from disaster.

Jeremiah 18:11-12 says this, “...Return now every one from his evil way, and make your ways and your doings good. And they said, 'This is hopeless! So we will walk according to our own plans, and we will every one, obey the dictates of his evil heart.'"

I’m not sure if the people of Jeremiah’s day were convicted or if they simply gave in to the desires of their own lust. Either way, they were doomed to receive God’s punishment.

Today, I say, “OUCH!”

Regardless, of how much it hurts, I pray for God’s mercy, grace, and continued out-stretched arm to pull me from the grasp of my own sin—no matter how good the sin feels.

Today, I say, “ouch!”—not just for me, but for each and every one of us. Like the people in Jeremiah’s day, each of us is culpable. We’re all responsible, guilty, and liable for some action, thought, or character trait that is unpleasing to God. Whether we admit it or not, every one of us has fallen short of God’s glory.

Another truth—salvation doesn't disable our ability to sin again—and again.

Unlike the people in Jeremiah’s day, I pray we feel the sting of conviction and respond with a loud OUCH!

God, have mercy upon us, forgive us, and restore us back to Your bosom of love.

The Season of Reshaping bids us to fall upon our knees, beg God's forgiveness, and repent of our evil ways. Because God restores marred vessel.