Inside every meticulously wrapped present she gives, my Aunt Diane includes a gift receipt along with a note that reads, “If you don’t like this, exchange it for something you want.”
There have been times when I took her up on the offer and exchanged a blue sweater for a red dress, or a pair of earrings for a purse. The exchange process is fairly simple. One item gets traded in for another item worth the same value.
It’s easy. It’s fair. And, it works.
God’s exchange system is quite different than what is set up in the world of retail.
It’s seldom easy.
It’s never fair.
But, it always works.
Shame for Purity
Ugliness for Beauty
Bitter for Sweet
Angst for Peace
Pride for Humility
Chaos for Calm
Fear for Courage
Remorse for Restitution
Wrath for Forgiveness
Commotion for Quiet
Hunger for Contentment
Rejection for Acceptance
Confusion for Wisdom
Heartache for Hope
Pain for Joy
Deception for Truth
Loneliness for Friendship
Hate for Love
Condemnation for Grace
All of the above. I have taken the beaten up parts of my soul and exchanged them for healing…for wholeness. And He has given me more than I could have ever expected.
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Ps. 30:2 “O LORD my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me.”
Wholeness is such a wonderful thing!! Thanks for sharing this Angela.
Wholeness…yes…wholeness equals beauty. Thank you for sharing this psalm as well as your words of encouragement.
Beautiful post. It’s so comforting knowing He is perfect and will always be just, fair and forgiving. Thanks.
Exchanges worth making, Angela! This is a list worth keeping as a reminder.
Me too! What a privilege to know……He does all that for me!
Such good news! Thank you for returning it to our hearts just when we need it. Hmm, what should I exchange today? I think I’ll trade discouragement for JOY!
I love that Holley! And I’ve got some pride I’m hanging on to…neeed to turn those puppies in for a humble heart.
Oh, how He Loves us!
Angela,
This wonderful, God-given list is remarkable reminder for the contrast between darkness and Light. Its simplicity is soul fuel this morning :).
Ah… I needed these words this morning. Thank you.
I’ve been praying for you sweet friend. Big hugs to you!
ahhhh. his love for us is AMAZING. i’ll add one to the list that speaks to me today – captivity for freedom.
Ohhh Kendal…that is so profound and one of my very favorite exchanges…
What a great perspective. We’re so undeserving! Thank you, Angela!
Oh, I would much rather trade with Him!
Bernice
How does your faith affect your ability to cope?
Wonderfully said, thank you!
His exchange is so great!
Blessings,
Janis
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Oh Angela….
I loved this. So beautifully worded and so very true.
Thank you to all who left encouraging comments. I am glad that this post spoke to your hearts
Love the Give-Take of this post, Angela….. I am convictingly soul searching after reading it.
Thank you.
xo
Reese
Angela – this is such a creatively TRUE list of gift exchanges – given to us by the world & the ones God gives to us in “return”! Love it!