When I saw this on Pinterest, I immediately pinned it on my Living Faith board.
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A friend recently confided in me that she was starting to feel regret over a decision she made years ago. That decision, which certainly felt like the right thing at the time, now has her doubting herself. Should she have done it? Was she being weak or faithless? Did she sin? How did she hurt others with her choice?
These doubts can assail any of us. They are the what-ifs of our lives. And they are entirely pointless in our faith life.
When we know and accept that God loves us, completely and unconditionally and infinitely as only God can, we know that we are safe and secure forever. No one can shame us. No one can use our sins against us.
Of course we make mistakes. Of course we make bad decisions. Of course there are consequences for those decisions, and sometimes the consequences are dire. Consider the relationship of Jacob and Esau. Jacob lied to his father and cheated his brother. God still used him for good. Consider Judah's treatment of Tamar. He put her in an impossible position, forced her to sin and risk death by stoning. God turned it to good. Consider Saul's collusion with Rome against the early Christians. God turned him into a powerful witness. Consider the crucifixion of Jesus. God turned it to the greatest good ever known.
Over and over, God takes terrible sinners and uses them for His purpose. Over and over, God takes terrible situations of violence, terror, horrible cruelty, and transforms them to further his Kingdom.
Even when we try to live faithfully, we'll never be good enough, smart enough, helpful enough, generous enough, kind enough. Grace, God's grace, saves us. Completely. Utterly. Unfailingly. Every single time.
If you're feeling ashamed, if you're feeling regret, please pray. Please hand it all over to God, put it all at the foot of the cross. Because you are caught in His grace. Always.
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There is no shame that grace cannot cover...no sin that God cannot forgive. Fall before Him in repentance, and He will lift you up in Grace.
Thanks be to God!
When we first came out here and 'lost' everything I don't think I could have believed this truth. On the face of it, yes but in my heart? No way, it felt like God was punishing us for a bad decision. Our circumstances haven't changed, things did get worse but finally, despite having no Church and still a lack of a close walk with God, He has remained faithful, loving and gracious. We have changed and are changing. Now we are beginning to live in His grace for His purpose...ready for the next big test and trial? Each day has it's own tests and trials and we hope and pray for work and a change in our circumstances, but knowing that God is working through this in His perfect time, for His glory gives us hope each day. He knew what was going to happen before it happened, He knows best so let's rest in Him. I hope your friend has been encouraged by what you taught her. Thanks for sharing it with us!
ReplyDeleteGod bless you, Anne. Thank you so much for sharing your perspective.
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