Fester Not – Tracy Nunes
Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. Philippians 1:18a-20
Festering; Ruminating; Bitter Recollecting. Whatever the term used, it boils down to one thing: sin that separates me from the peace of God that is my heritage in Christ.
I’m reminded of this occasionally in the presence of Festerers. It’s exhausting. Every small detail of past offenses remains vividly bannered across their minds with flashing neon lights. And many of these offenses have grown in length and girth with the telling and retelling.
Because of the love of Christ and the many offenses – mine and others – that I have laid at his feet, I seem to have blessed amnesia. When God put them into the sea of forgetfulness, he must have removed them from my instant recall, as well.
But…always? If I’m honest: No. Occasionally, I’ll find something swirling in the vortex of my brain over an offense. And, Jesus, when I ask Him to, comes in like a flood and washes it away. He removes the festering yuck that is trying to take hold. That is when He reminds me that His exaltation is what is at stake. Does my offense matter? Yes, but its only rightful place is in the Hands of my Father.
What matters most is that whether by my life or my death, He is exalted!
Tracy grew up in Hawaii and now lives in Middle Tennessee with her husband of 33 years. Contact | 
