Change Seats

Change Seats

Sometimes the best way to hear God’s grace is to step out of your own chair.

The Power of Perspective

When we’re caught in regret, fear, or failure, our perspective can be clouded. The “hot seat” of our emotions—shame, disappointment, fear—makes it hard to see clearly. That’s why I often say: Change seats.

Imagine someone else you deeply love—your child, a dear friend—sitting where you are. What would you say to them? Wouldn’t you encourage them to reach for God’s grace, to stand back up, to believe they are forgiven? That same grace is for you, too.

“As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.” — Psalm 103:13

Our Harsh Expectations vs. God’s Gentle Truth

Where we see failure, God sees a child He loves.

We demand flawless strength and punish every weakness. But God’s Word tells a different story.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9

We strive for strength. God embraces weakness. We hold on to shame. God covers with mercy.

When you “change seats,” you realize the advice you’d give to someone else—to accept mercy, to receive love, to stand again—is the very advice God is speaking over you.

Hearing the Father’s Voice

Changing seats helps us step out of the noise of self-condemnation and into the compassion of our Father. He reminds us:

You are My beloved child. (John 1:12)

There is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1)

I will never leave you nor forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5)

God doesn’t expect you to be perfect; He delights in you resting in His love.

Grace for Today

Changing seats isn’t about pretending mistakes don’t matter—it’s about remembering that grace matters more. It’s about seeing yourself through your Father’s eyes: beloved, forgiven, redeemed.

So, change seats. Step out of the hot seat of fear and shame. Listen to your Father’s voice.

Look at what He longs to give you. It’s not condemnation—it’s grace.

Reflection

What advice would you give someone else in your situation?

How do your expectations of yourself differ from God’s compassion toward you?

How has sitting in the “hot seat” of shame clouded your view of grace?

What changes when you look at yourself the way the Father looks at you?

Prayer

Father, help me to step out of my hot seat of shame and into the seat of Your compassion. Remind me that the same mercy I’d extend to others, You extend to me. Teach me to hear Your gentle voice instead of my harsh expectations. Thank You that Your grace is sufficient and that in my weakness, Your strength is revealed.