=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A01Timothy 1:16) But for that very reason I was shown
mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display
his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him
and receive eternal life. 
=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0Even when Paul had developed a successful ministry and
was teaching young Timothy how to pass the gospel on to others, he
remained keenly aware of his own failings. After all those years, he
still referred to himself as "the worst of sinners." The superapostle
didn't tell the youthful pastor of all the wonderful things he'd done
but described the failure that dogged his steps, even in the midst of
great faithfulness. 
=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0Paul's teaching to Timothy gives me hope. After many
years of faith, I'm still keenly aware of my own unfaithfulness, too.
It's not that I don't try, or care, but so often I still fall short.
Just when I think I'm making headway spiritually, I discover a basic
weakness all over again. I become distinctly aware of my own inability
to fulfill all of Scripture's commands. 
=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0Even so, God hasn't given up on me. Like the apostle,
I'm glad still has use for me, even if it's only to show how wonderful
He is and how limited my own abilites are. Though I might richly deserve
it, He has no plan of tossing me out of His kingdom when I've broken
"the last straw." 
=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0Nothing separates me from the God who saved me in
Jesus. No matter what I do, He's still faithful. So I'm motivated to
keep on walking down His path, allowing Him to show His grace through
me. 
=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0Like Paul, I'm not expecting perfection anymore, just
forgiveness=96and the eternal life He promised.



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