Am I Enough: Embracing The Truth About Who You AreSample

Lie #3: Forget Your Past

The insecurities that developed in my past still negatively affect me. Those times when I smiled on the outside to hide the pain, I secretly cried every day. When I was ready to stop pretending, and as I contemplated my purpose and could not come up with one reason to live, God gave me one: Himself. The only constant we have is God. God has consistently reminded me that He considers me worthy and that He is my source of joy. 

Life can stink sometimes, but we can find rest despite our circumstances because we worship a God who consistently loves us. If He holds the whole world, then surely He can give us joy when life stinks, can’t He? Perhaps you are searching for happiness when you should be seeking joy. You won’t find it in acceptance from people. Only Christ offers joy that can truly satisfy you. 

Life isn’t always easy, but you are no mistake, and God is ready to turn your trial into a testimony. Talk to a counselor, pastor, family member, or loved one. Also, talk to Jesus. Pray for joy. Pray for more of Him. Accept His love and let Him satisfy you. When you see your need for God, you begin to see the world’s need for you to take up your cross and show His love. 

The world says to forget your past. Jesus says to bring Him your past. I have been a messed up sinner running into Jesus’ arms on the heels of my sins. We all have to start somewhere. Just because you are lost doesn’t mean you won’t eventually wind up in the right place. When we admit we’ve strayed, we can be pointed back in the right direction. We all must confess our sins and focus on answering God’s big question: “Will you follow Me?”

In following God, we need to forgive others’ past hurts against us. Grace feels great to receive, but it feels even better to give. Celebrate brothers and sisters who come to know Christ—that their “used to’s” are “no more’s.” God gives that grace to all, including me, you, and even that person who has previously hurt you. Forgive even if someone isn’t sorry. There are times I wish I had. Besides, God forgave us, didn’t He? We are not the judge. God is. 

God doesn’t ask us to pretend our sins never happened; He asks us to turn to Him, learn from our mistakes, and follow Him. If you feel weighed down by your sins, look to the cross. A perfect, blameless man with no sins of His own carried your sins to His cross. If you think you’re great and don’t need His help, I pray you’ll see the error of that thinking. You need His love. You need His grace. And you need to answer His whispering into your heart: “Will you follow Me?” When you decide to follow Him, ask Him to help you love like Him and see people the way He sees them.

Respond

How do you respond when you recognize sin in your life? In the lives of others?

When are you tempted to avoid facing your sins? What difference does confessing your sins and God’s faithful love make in your life? 

How can God’s love and forgiveness in your life help you love others?