Linda Wood Rondeau

Snark & Sensibility

GOD'S DO-OVERS
Wednesday, November 20, 2019 by LINDA SHENTON MATCHETT

PLEASE WELCOME

LINDA SHENTON MATCHETT

TO

DEVOTIONAL WEDNESDAY

 

A couple of weeks ago my husband and I watched City Slickers for the umpteenth time. For those of you not familiar with the movie, Billy Crystal stars as a man who is approaching his fortieth birthday with dread. His friends also seem to be having mid-life crises. In an attempt to find happiness and contentment, the men visit a dude ranch where they learn a lot more than how to be a cowboy. By the end of the movie, the trio decides life can be a do-over, and each man vows to start fresh.

I enjoy the film and its many laugh-out-loud moments, but this latest viewing got me thinking about my own life. I cogitated over regrets and missed opportunities. Memories washed through my mind of times I’d failed to live up to God’s standard. It wasn’t long before I was wallowing in low self-esteem, quickly forgetting that life is indeed a do-over.

Fortunately, God met me where I was and reminded me that in fact, each moment can be a do-over.

Think about it. We’re sinful, fallen people, so we’re going to mess up (some days more often than others!). The good news…no, the great news…is that God made provisions for us. He sent His Son to take our place, and all we have to do is accept His substitution on our behalf. There is a laundry list of men and women in the Bible who failed, many of them in whopping-over-the-top ways. But God forgave them every time, blessed them, and used them to further his kingdom. Despite their shortcomings. Or perhaps because of them.

After all, He is strong in our weakness.

Are you living with remorse? Anger? God can take all of that away for you. He can give you the gift of a “do-over.” All you have to do is ask, then rest in His promise to forgive and forget.

“Lo, for my own welfare I had great bitterness;

it is You who has kept my soul from the pit of nothingness,

for You have cast all my sins behind Your back.” Isaiah 38:17

 

ABOUT LOVE’S ALLEGIANCE

With most U.S. boys fighting for Uncle Sam in far off countries, Rochelle Addams has given up hope for a wedding in her future. Then she receives an intriguing offer from a distant relative to consider a marriage of convenience.

Conscientious objector Irwin Terrell is looking forward to his assignment at Shady Hills Mental hospital to minister to the less fortunate in lieu of bearing arms. At the arrival of the potential bride his father has selected for him, Irwin’s well-ordered life is turned upside down. And after being left at the altar two years ago, he has no interest in risking romance again.

Despite his best efforts to remain aloof to Rochelle, Irwin is drawn to the enigmatic and beautiful young woman, but will time run out before his wounded heart can find room for her?

Inspired by the biblical love story of Rebekkah and Isaac, Love’s Allegiance explores the struggles and sacrifices of those whose beliefs were at odds with a world at war. Available alone or as part of the Wartime Brides Collection.

Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/2NIAbEC

ABOUT LINDA SHENTON MATCHETT

Linda Shenton Matchett writes about ordinary people who did extraordinary things in days gone by. She is a volunteer docent and archivist for the Wright Museum of WWII and is a trustee for her local public library. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, Linda was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry and has lived in historic places all her life. Now located in central New Hampshire, her favorite activities include exploring historic sites and immersing herself in the imaginary worlds created by other authors.

Social Media Links:

Website/blog: http://www.LindaShentonMatchett.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LindaShentonMatchettAuthor

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/lindasmatchett

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/lindasmatchett

Bookbub: http://bookbub.com/authors/linda-shenton-matchett

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author_linda_matchett

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Linda-Shenton-Matchett/e/B01DNB54S0

Newsletter signup: https://mailchi.mp/74bb7b34c9c2/lindashentonmatchettnewsletter

 

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