The Lord is the only One who can extend grace and offer the forgiveness you need – He is the Expert.

They were everywhere. Less than an inch long, the tiny invaders seemed to show up overnight. Okay, maybe I’m exaggerating. Over a two-week period, our basement went from no bugs, to a healthy crop of the irritating things.

A closer look had me convinced we were dealing with some type of ‘pede’: centipede, millipede, etc. It didn’t matter to me what they were – I wanted them out of the house. I tried stepping on them, sucking them up with the vacuum cleaner, and siccing my cats on them. It didn’t work. By the next morning, there were always more.

The solution

It didn’t take me long to realize I’d have to leave my home remedies behind and call in the experts. I’m happy to report, Operation Millipede, has stopped those multi-legged insects in their tracks.

As irritating as it was, the millipede invasion made me stop and think:

Our best effort to eliminate pesky things doesn’t do the job – we need the Expert.

The Real Expert

There was the time I held my tongue but ended up wearing a bad attitude which was equally as bad. Time after time I’ve tried to get rid of sin using my own power, only to discover I can’t. The Lord is the only One who can extend grace and offer the forgiveness I need – He is the Expert.

In Jesus’ day, there was a sick man who had suffered with a disease for 38 years. It was common knowledge that many sick people had experienced healing at the pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem. An angel would stir up the water on occasion and whoever was able to get into the water first was made well.

The man wanted to be healed. He had been lying at the pool for a long time, but he had no strength to get into the water. And he didn’t have anyone to help him. He had tried everything he could think of.

Jesus’ power

Jesus entered the scene and asked the man if he wanted to be made whole. The man must have thought it was an odd question. Of course he wanted to be healthy! He explained to Jesus how he had tried to get others to help him into the pool but hadn’t been successful.

Jesus’ next words came as a command:

Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. John 5:8

Jesus, the Expert, was able to heal the man of his physical disease. And the beautiful thing? He gave him spiritual healing as well.

Your turn

Is there some pesky thing in your life you’re trying to eliminate in your own strength? Call on the Expert, Jesus. His power is able to overcome anything.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for reminding me to rely on You. When I try to do things in my own strength, I fail. Help me turn to You first when I need help. In Jesus’ name, Amen.