Over the past few days I have been learning slowly the lesson of forgiveness. I realize there are far worse things going on in the world than our stolen laptops. However, I believe God uses circumstances both big and small to refine us and mold us into who he desires us to be. I have been so blessed to have words of truth and love spoken to me from my wonderful fiancee' Heather, my family, and many of you. In an email this week my mom said to me:

Our family has really had the call of God on our life to forgive our
enemies.  The desire to see justice, people to know their wrong, and
make it right, just don't happen on our time table.  I am learning and
seeing the word of truth that your Dad has given to me many times,
"time and truth walk hand in hand."  Bitterness doesn't help us to get
better, it robs us of more than the thieves took, our joy, peace,
forgiveness...and the list goes on and on.

I've also found peace and strength in Romans 12 this week. I have been reminded of rich truths as Paul writes:

9 Don't just pretend that you love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of good.
12 Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble, and always be prayerful.
14 If people persecute you because you are a Christian, don't curse them; pray that God will bless them.
21 Don't let evil get the best of you, but conquer evil by doing good.

I close with an adapted prayer based on Romans 12:1-2:

May I give my body to you. Let me a be a living sacrifice, the kind you will accept. When I think of what you've done for me, this really isn't much to ask. Help me not to copy the customs and behaviors of this world but may you transform me into a new person by changing the way that I think. Then I will know what you want me to do and I will know how good and pleasing and perfect your will really is.

Amen.

On the journey for God's best,
Chad