Hot Mess in a Dress?

While it’s been nearly 20 years, the memory of that evening is fresh in my mind. Smugly, (though completely blind to my own heart of spiritual arrogance and conveniently forgetting my own, “hot mess in a dress story”) I sat back in the theater seat to watch on the big screen the movie, The Passion of The Christ, praying those around me would see their need for the Savior. As I type those words, I choke at my own spiritual better-than-you attitude that permeated me then.

Settling into my seat, it was then that I “heard” the Lord speak to my heart… “I don’t want you to think about what I did for them … I want you to think what I have done for you.” So, it was with that unexpected mindset I took in, moment by painful moment, the price my Lord paid for ME. For MY sin.

As the movie came to an end, I sat in stunned silence. Making my way out of the theater, the words of Isaiah the prophet played like a mental loop in my mind…“He was wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities, He bore our shame…” My iniquities. My lying, my lust and my idolatry. My hatred. My shame. My. Sin. Paid for in full.

Arriving home, I nearly ran to the kitchen, where I grabbed my Bible that had been lying on the counter, and began reading out loud, Isaiah 53. As tears streamed, and in barely a whisper, I choked out the words … Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, O that I could express to You the depth of my gratitude … the gift You bought with Your life’s blood I could never repay…

That prayer became the Easter poem you see below. Recall again the price He paid, the love He showed and the mercy He has granted. To YOU. To ME. O praise Him!

With fresh eyes and heart, I am deeply thankful for what He has done for me, and continually aware of my own brokenness and need for the Savior. Of my own, hot-mess-in-a-dress and tore-up-from-the-floor-up status. I am a sinner saved by His amazing grace and mercy. Are you?

I’m just one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread

D. T. Niles

As I recently shared with a friend, it’s not enough to simply believe that exists God in some nebulous way or believe that Jesus lived at some point in history. We must believe that His sacrifice on the cross paid the penalty for our sins, and then apply that payment to our life. He is our only hope, and He is the only way to the Father (John 14:6, Matthew 20:28).

My Lord Jesus, we are in awe that You would give Your life for us. Simply astounding. Face to the floor astounding. Please use our lives of transformation, to bring glory to Your great name. Amen.

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

Click here to purchase a hard copy or download a FREE pdf of the devotional, Stony Paths learning to trust Him as we walk the Stony Paths of real life.

You may also purchase Stony Paths, learning to Trust Him as we walk the Stony Paths of real life, by visiting Lulu Publishing or Amazon.