Step 12:   Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of the steps,
we tried to carry this message to others and to practice
these principles in all our affairs.

December 5

Recommended reading: Galatians 1, 2, 3

Yesterday we commented on the “bigness” of God and how that good news could comfort us when we were counting on Him to rescue us. What if we feel so small, “less than,” and unworthy that we fear the greatness of God? Whether “big” is comforting or terrifying depends upon one’s point of view, right? Yesterday we learned that when Isaiah saw the vastness of God, he became undone. If all Isaiah saw of God was His bigness, he would have stayed undone. Isaiah knew another thing about God: the bigness of His heart.

“ ‘Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.’ Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal in his hand, which he had taken from the altar with tongs. He touched my mouth with it and said, ‘Behold, this has touched your lips; and you iniquity is taken away and your sin is forgiven.’ “ Isaiah 6:6-7

When confronted with the bigness of God, we realize our smallness. When granted the mercy, grace, and forgiveness of God, we are comforted.

Thought for today: Forget none of His benefits; who pardons all your iniquities…who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with loving kindness and compassion; who satisfies your years with good things…” David speaking on the forgiveness of God in Psalm 103:2-5

Thought for tomorrow: If you’ve had a spiritual awakening, you know this stuff already in a profoundly personal way. I want to encourage you to remember the days when you were more intimidated by God than intimate with Him. As you share God’s message of hope, I pray that you will be patient with those who are still running on empty. Don’t give in to the temptation to make God smaller in a misguided attempt to comfort. Isaiah was undone, and it was the best thing that ever happened to him.

December 5
Teresa McBean

Previous devotionals

Other links: www.crosswalk.com &  NACR Online