Joy of My Heart with Anne Graham Lotz - March 11

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March 11

Lay Your Grievances Down

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Romans 12:21, niv

I was a state witness to the execution of Velma Barfield, the first woman to be executed in the United States in more than twenty-two years. I had developed a friendship with her about six months prior to her execution as a result of her correspondence with my mother and had grown to love her as a sister in Christ. Following the execution, a newspaper reporter called me, probing my reaction. “Anne, how are you going to get back at the state? Aren’t you bitter?” I knew I had the opportunity to allow the grief over my friend’s death to go a step further and become a grievance that would become bitterness.

By God’s grace, I chose to take my reaction to the cross of Christ. In prayer, I had to “crucify” the anger and bitterness I felt was justified, leaving it with the One Who said, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay” (Rom. 12:19, niv). I laid my grievances at the nail-pierced feet of One Who understands firsthand what it feels like to be deeply wounded by the sin of other people. Would you do the same?

God’s Story, (Nashville: W Publishing, 1997). 

©2012 Anne Graham Lotz. All rights reserved.

THE KEY TO A LIFE OF IMPACT

What are the secrets to a life of impact? Daniel achieved greatness in the eyes of his contemporaries, in the eyes of history, and most importantly, in the eyes of God. His faith did not waver as he faced his critics, as he served new kings in power, or even as he confronted hungry lions. How can we achieve that kind of faith today? Twenty intentional, key choices made all the difference. Daniel’s choices can be ours, such as:

•  The choice to listen
•  The choice to forgive
•  The choice to pray

Cultivate a life-changing faith when you learn to implement The Daniel Key into your everyday life. Request your copy!

For more from Anne Graham Lotz please visit AnneGrahamLotz.org.