…to forgive divine!
That is a saying I heard many times growing up and I’m not really sure where it came from. I just know those are the words that were forefront in my heart this morning.
Have you ever made comments or had thoughts like this; “I just don’t think God could ever love me, forgive me, use me, want me, etc, like He does someone else”? “If people knew who I was or the things I have in my past they wouldn’t love me or want to be my friend”.
Ever had those thoughts? I have and guess what, so did the Apostle Paul.
“But our Lord gave me a full measure of his grace. And with that grace came the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 Here is a true statement that should be accepted without question: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, and I am the worst of them. 16 But I was given mercy so that in me Christ Jesus could show that he has patience without limit. Christ showed his patience with me, the worst of all sinners. He wanted me to be an example for those who would believe in him and have eternal life.” I Timothy 1:14-16 ERV
Paul felt that he was the worst sinner to have ever lived, he arrested and had Christians murdered. But God forgave him, changed his life and used him to reach the world with the Gospel.
Jesus was all about forgiving. He forgave Zacheaus, the woman in adultery, the thief on the cross, the soldiers and religious leaders that were crucifying Him. He forgave Paul. He has forgiven us too!
I shared these verses with you the other morning. They are some of my favorites on the presence and protection of the Lord. Take a hard look at the first part of verse one.
“…Do not be afraid. For I have bought you and made you free. I have called you by name. You are Mine! 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. When you pass through the rivers, they will not flow over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned. The fire will not destroy you. 3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, Who saves you… 4 You are of great worth in My eyes. You are honored and I love you… 5 Do not fear, for I am with you. I will bring your children from the east, and I will gather you from the west.” Isaiah 41:1-5 NLV
God isn’t holding our past against us! Our past is that – past!
In Hebrews, we are told that God won’t remember our sins and trespasses. He puts them as far as the East is from the West.
If you are being held captive by your past brreak free by accepting the Father’s forgiveness!
He has ransomed you. He has redeemed you, He is walking through life’s hardships with you and protecting you. You are precious to Him!
God isn’t mad at you. He hasn’t rejected or disqualified you. He loves you!
Thank you Father for your amazing love. Thank you that my past is past and thank you that I have been redeemed and that I am Yours!