Sticky Situations

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

1 John 1:9 HCSB

“Who is a God like You, removing iniquity and passing over rebellion for the remnant of His inheritance? He does not hold on to His anger forever, because He delights in faithful love.”

Micah 7:18 HCSB

One day, I was riding with my dad in his new truck. It was the first time he’d ever owned a brand new vehicle! It was beautiful and clean. 

We were heading home. I was chewing a piece of gum, and then all of a sudden, I wasn’t!

“Uh, Dad?”
“Yeah?”
“I lost my gum.”

I’d never seen him pull over so fast! He stopped on the side of the bridge and rushed over to open my door. We searched my hair, clothes, seat, the floor, everywhere we could see, but didn’t find it.

Dad walked back around and started to pull out just as I rebuckled my seatbelt.

“Dad, I found it…”

It had dropped onto the seat belt, and when it was retracted and then extended, the gum smeared all along the belt. We had a quiet trip home. I silently wondered if I’d ever be allowed to ride in his truck again.

I’m not sure how long it took him to clean up my sticky situation, but I was quickly forgiven.

We all find ourselves in sticky situations. Our actions, whether deliberate or accidental, cause trouble for others. At times, others cause difficulty for us. That’s part of being imperfect humans.

Jesus set an example for us. He paid the ultimate price by giving His life for our sins. We will not be separated from our Father because of His forgiveness, mercy, and love.

Even when we mess something up that God has put in place to protect us, there’s no permanent damage. God will always protect us.

My dad not only forgave me, but forgot about the incident. I pray that I am able to do the same for others.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, thank You for loving us through life and all of our sticky situations. Help us to show others the same mercy that You have given us. Please help others to be kind when we wrong them as well. In Christ’s name, Amen.

Journal: Where have you found yourself in sticky situations? Share what you have you learned.