Since Natalie had been on bed rest for most of her pregnancy, she had been unable to keep up with the housework. As a result, the kitchen was a disaster when Gina showed up to bring her a meal. Because they were new in town and had no family nearby to help, Gina had generously dived into the task. Natalie could do nothing except protest meekly from the couch. She was wishing she could have made a better first impression. It was all an embarrassed Natalie could do to give a tight smile and a short “thanks” before the woman left.

As soon as the door shut, Natalie began to feel convicted. She had been so focused on her humiliation that she knew she had come across as ungrateful. As the Holy Spirit spoke to her, she realized that pride often hindered her prayer life. She knew intellectually that she needed grace and mercy, but sometimes it was hard to accept that she had nothing to offer God but a dirty house she was unable to clean. She tended to avoid God when she felt guilty. Just as she’d had a hard time accepting Gina’s help today, it was hard for her gratefully to receive God’s provision of help, which came through Gina. Natalie was learning, however, to come to God humbly each time, dirt and all. She decided to write Gina a note of heartfelt thanks.

To have true intimacy with God, we must approach Him just as we are, flawed and in desperate need of Him. As we wholeheartedly submit to God, embracing Jesus as our Savior, He removes the reproach of sin and replaces it with the righteousness of Christ.