2 Peter 3:9 | The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

When we think of the coming of the Lord and his sacrifice we often think of Jesus choosing to come down and die. Many of us even consider Jesus to be God, the Father one and the same.But scripture says that God SENT his son. Have you ever been sent somewhere you don’t want to go?Jesus didn’t come down and die because he loved us so much. Jesus came down and died the death he did because he loved GOD so much. Jesus didn’t take his focus off of his Father!

The importance of knowing God’s word is not just limited to the blessings or weapons of warfare, but it is a protection through godly grief, to salvation (2 Corinthians 7:8-11). It is true that God provided many impartations of grace, mercy, and blessings in scripture, but if you look clearly you will notice that many of these have an opposite.

Drawing from 2 Corinthians 7:8-11, this sidenoote explores the transformative power of godly grief. While shame can weigh us down and hinder our growth, godly grief produces repentance that leads to salvation and freedom. Through this Sidenote, you'll be encouraged to confront shame with a heart that leans into God's mercy just like I am— turning sorrow into spiritual renewal and strength. Discover how true repentance brings restoration, not regret, and allows you to walk boldly in the grace of Christ.

Have you ever read Deuteronomy and wondered why the Lord allowed the destruction of the older generation of the Israelites to last 40 years? In one moment, God swallowed up the elders of Israel by the word of Moses because of their murmuring (Numbers 16:28-33). Yet, we see God allow many of the Israelites to die, either by old age or sickness, ending with Moses.

Consider that maybe God allows questions and leaves things seemingly unclear to solidify our need to have a true relationship with him. Personally, this is the thorn in my side. It’s the thorn that keeps me from being self-righteous. I have to lean on God to lead me in everything because God’s will can look ways I never considered. This thorn keeps me chasing Jesus and causes intentionality. How easy it would be to give up and let doubt sink in. But I refuse and pray that my faith won’t ever fail.

I realized that God was silent for a reason. Sometimes God will be quiet to see how you will move without his incentives. Will you choose Christ even when your Holy Ghost is still? Will you remember scripture even when God’s still voice isn’t there? Will you take the place of your Holy Ghost in convicting yourself?  Can God trust you? Do you really love him?

If you didn’t recognize it by reading it, trust is an action word. It seems easier said than done, but truly it is as easy as a decision. I, personally, want to become so trusting with God that it becomes second nature. Not a decision to make, but the reality of my existence. That may seem impossible, especially when we are surrounded by entertainment, ideals and people that are constant in promoting doubt, fears and control. But if we take a second to recount our lives, we realize most of our fears and doubt come from agreements that we have made. We have agreed that we are incapable. We have agreed that the burden is too hard to bear. We have agreed that the sickness will win. We have agreed that it is not worth the trouble. We have agreed that God is not truly God. But that is a lie.