By Elaine Ireland
“Woe is me, I am doomed! For I am a man of unclean lips, living among a people of unclean lips” (Isaiah). “For I am …not fit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am” (St. Paul). “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man” (St. Peter).
Isaiah, Paul, and Peter experience dramatic changes in their lives. Isaiah and Peter, both fearful due to their sinfulness and doubt, are told, “Do not be afraid,” “See, your sin is purged.” Their experiences of forgiveness are so powerful that they eagerly follow wherever God leads.
Paul, responsible for jailings (and worse) of Christians, has an encounter with the risen Jesus that transforms his whole life. He becomes a zealous missionary, eager to share his experience of God’s mercy with everyone he met. “By the grace of God, I am what I am.” Amen!
None of these three boasted about their conversions, nor did they mortify or browbeat themselves for their sins, nor go into hiding. They accepted the gift of forgiveness, forgave themselves, and went out to spread the Good News of God’s mercy and salvation.
Have you experienced the grace of God’s mercy in your life? The grace that allows you to be who you are without fear or remorse? Are you ready to say, “Here I am. Send me?”
For more from our facilitators Elaine Ireland and Joy Aker, check out this upcoming retreat Unbind Him and Let Him Go Free from March 13 @ 4:00 pm – March 15 @ 1:00 pm.