Canned Nosed Cows

Do you ever wonder why people gossip about each other and stick their noses into others' business? I would love to act like I am not one of these people, but that would be a big fat lie. I love to know what is going on around me. I love to let people know that I know what is going on around me. Sometimes I even pass on gossip I shouldn't, by telling myself I am only asking for prayer support for the person involved. Shameful!

Gossip is one of the sins in my life that I am ashamed to admit. I am ashamed that God sees this ugliness in my heart. I have used my mouth to condemn or hurt others for my own selfishness. These are the most difficult times for me to sit down and study God's word, or go to Him in prayer. I convince myself that I am not worthy, and He wouldn't want to talk to someone like me anyway.

WRONG! His forgiveness is always there just waiting for us to come ask.

Let me tell you a Max Lucado story about a Canned Nosed Cow. This cow and her calf were out in the field, and like me, she stuck her nose where it didn't belong. There was a discarded, old paint can, and she went over and sniffed and snorted and ended up with that can stuck on her nose. Shaking it violently and dragging it along the ground would not dislodge it. It was really stuck! This sounds funny enough, but with a can on her nose she could not eat or drink. If she could not survive with a can on her nose, her calf was also in jeopardy. Seeing her predicament, the ranch hands set out to help. But each time they got close to her, she would run away. Eventually, they cornered her and were able to get the can loose.

I do the same thing. When I get myself in a predicament where I am full of shame and guilt over something I have said or done. Instead of turning to God, my rescuer, I run away. When God is there to make things right in my life, I run the other way. Helplessly, I try to fix it on my own.

I need to remember to not be a canned-nosed cow. I need to remember to rest in Him. John 3:16. For God so loved the World that He gave His only son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

This is His promise and our hope even when we feel hopeless. This week... I challenge you to turn to prayer when you do something you are not proud of. When you regret a word or action this week turn to prayer and ask forgiveness instead of running the other way.

In Him,
Joyful
1-31-2010
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