“I’m sorry ma’am, but if you’re not a signer on the account, I can’t take this deposit.”
“What?! I’m giving you money, not trying to take any out.”
“I apologize, it’s a new federal regulation. I can take personal checks or a money order, but no cash, unless you are listed on the account.”
“You’ll take a personal check, but not cash? That’s stupid! It’s only $50 and it’s CASH!”
The volume of my voice slowly increased with each exchange between me and the bank teller. Others began to stare, waiting to see if I would completely explode. Like tourists watching for Old Faithful to spew, they hovered about, glancing sideways, hoping for fireworks.
“I’m sorry…I know it’s frustrating.”
Frustrating? Yes. But not for the reasons she imagined. I was frustrated in myself, disappointed because I’d messed up again. I allowed my anger to get the best of me. I let my circumstances dictate my response. There was no Christ to be seen in my reaction. Only ugly poison pouring from my mouth.
When will I ever learn? When will I let the peace of Christ outshine my bursts of anger? When will I allow Christ in me to shine bright as the noonday sun? When will people see Jesus in me, not sparks about to burst into flames?
While I am busy condemning myself, God is extending grace and mercy. His mercies are new each day. And while Satan is trying to keep me enslaved to my old sin nature, scripture reminds me that when I was dead in my transgressions (i.e. when I was screaming at the teller), God forgave me and made me alive with Christ; and with Christ, He nailed my sins to the cross (Colossians 2:13-14).
As followers of Christ, sin no longer has power over us.
“Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him and He will do it. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light and your judgment as the noonday.” Psalm 37:5-6 (NASB).
In time, the Lord will bring forth our righteousness. He will do it. We have to make the commitment to trust Him, and follow His ways. No more giving in to heated emotions of the moment.
It’s such a small thing for Him to ask of us: devote our ways to Him. Follow His paths. Trust Him.
But look at the return on this small act of devotion: People will see Jesus in me and in you. Christ will burst forth from us.
What does that look like in my little world? Well, it looks like the end of my banking story: By the power of Christ in me, I managed to calm my anger and swallow my pride. I apologized to the young lady. I told her how sorry I was for losing my temper, and taking my frustrations out on her.
And maybe, just maybe she will remember the dramatic change in me. And she’ll wonder what it was that made the difference. Maybe she’ll want to see a similar change in her life.
That’s the Jesus I want people to see in me…the One that draws them to Him…the One that makes them want to change.
You can’t take cash? No problem, change is good!
Until next week,
Joining these lovely writers. Be sure to visit their pages, you’ll be encouraged!
Suzie Eller, Live Free Thursday
Susan at Dance with Jesus
Barbie at The Weekend Brew
Kelly at Purposeful Faith
Holly at Testimony Tuesday
Holley at Coffee for Your Heart
Jennifer at Tell His Story
Jana at Sweet to the Soul
Bonnie at Faith Barista
ugh… I get that frustration thing as well! Those kinds of things have a way of rubbing me the wrong way and I get annoyed far too quickly some days. I have learned it’s sometimes just my tiredness and irritation about something else in my day that this annoying annoyance has become the breaking point.
Your example is so good that yes, we have grace in this whole living out thing. We don’t always get it perfect but we always have grace!
Thanks for these words of encouragement! (Stopping by from Holley’s place)
Oh, Rachel, you’re so right! It was frustration upon frustration that put me over the edge. I am so thankful that God’s mercies are new each day! Thanks so much for stopping by!
Me too, Ellen. That’s the Jesus I want people to see too and I’ve certainly let circumstances dictate my reactions this week rather than the Spirit. I’m so grateful for his patience with me. Thank you for your honesty here today, friend. Seeking Him with you today.
Love you, sweet Abby!
I can so relate to this post! Praise God that His mercies are new every morning, that He has paid the price in full for our sins and forgives us freely. Linked up with you at Holley Gerth — hope you’ll stop by Saved by Grace for a visit1
God bless,
Laurie
Hi Laurie, thanks for stopping by. I would be happy to visit your online home. Yes, praise Him, each day is new!
Change is good indeed, Ellen. Love that. And tell Mr. John beautiful sunset!
Thanks Kim! I will tell John you said so!
Oh, how many times have I been in your shoes! In fact, I think that is how I start my prayer time most mornings…”Lord, please forgive me. I’ve messed up again.” So thankful for His tender mercies which are new every morning, for His marvelous grace, and gently guiding Spirit. Praying we all mess up a little less each day! Thanks, Ellen.
Oh Sabra! A little less each day, and shine a little brighter each day! Love you sweet friend!
Dear Ellen, I have been there so many times. Now walking the fine line, trying to be who Christ wants me to be, who I am when I write my blog. I am always admitting I messed up. Thank you. kind of your neighbor at Holley Gerth. Blessings Diana
Hello almost neighbor! Thanks so much for stopping by, and for your encouraging comments. Diana, it’s so good to know that I am not alone! We must lift each other up and encourage one another to be strengthened in the power of Christ. And to lean on Him, and not give in to our heated emotions! Praying for us to be the women Christ wants us to be!
It is so easy to take that tone of voice up a notch, or three. I live that you apologized! I bet God was up there cheering. “Atta girl! I knew you could do it!” 🙂
Thank you Sarah! Your comment had me smiling! Maybe that great cloud of witnesses mentioned in scripture was also cheering me on! Thanks for stopping by!
Oh Ellen, responding well to challenging situations in lines at the supermarket, bank, in a traffic jam, is one of the hardest things for me. You’re encouraging me today, friend. God will bring forth His righteousness in us! I agree with Sabra above: praying we all mess up a little less each day! there’s hope! (You must have linked this with #livefree?)
Betsy, I can’t imagine you not responding well in this type of situation! You have such a quiet strength and grace about you! And yes! Praise God, we have hope!
Ok, maybe God is up to something. Betsy was reminding me of something similar on her blog today and so are you. I need to get to looking more like Jesus – change!
Uh oh! Looking out, when He starts sending those messages! Usually a splash of flash coming your way! Enjoy it!
What a treat it is to follow you at Kelly’s today, my friend! This post and your story is powerful. I was right there with you, frustrated and all. I’m thankful God continues to extend His amazing grace and beautiful mercy to us, and He continues to refine with each experience. What a hope we have in Him! Bless you, sweet friend.
Julie! I’ve missed you! I’m so glad you stopped by. Yes, He does continue to refine, and boy do I need it! Blessings to you today!
Ellen, I can certainly identify with you. So often I’ve let my temper get the best of me and have had to apologize. I love how you remind us that while we may be angry and frustrated with ourselves, God is right there extending grace and forgiveness. No matter how many times we mess up He is forgiving. And maybe as we acknowledge His work more and more in us, we will see less temper and more of His light shining through. Thanks so much for this encouragement! Blessings to you!
I have been there! Oh, yes I have. I can get so irritated on those customer service calls where they seem to have lost the idea of service. However, no matter how they act, I am called to a standard molded in love. God help me! I love how you came back with the right response. Your post certainly encourages me and relates to where I am at. Cheering you on from the #RaRalinkup on Purposeful Faith.
Thank you Kelly! Your cheerleading is invaluable to me! Glad you stopped in!