How to Trust the Lord When Your Life Falls Apart Smakprov

God Forgives You

In May of 2015, Compassion International decided to write my story for an exhibition called “The Compassion Experience.” I was given the opportunity to reflect on my childhood living in extreme poverty and share that story with others.

As I was reminiscing about my time with Compassion, I remembered the rebellious boy I once was. In fact, I fought with all my classmates.

Gang activity in my community greatly influenced me. I observed drugs, prostitution, and violence daily. For five years, I spent a lot of time-fighting with other children my age. And one of those fights resulted in my friend entering a coma.

I was taken to the office of the Compassion center to wait for the police. At the age of 12, I was close to being expelled from the program. But then the program director, Dulce, delivered a life-changing message:

“You don’t have to fight to get attention. Christ loves you, and we love you.”

Although I was suspended, I was not expelled, and I didn’t go to jail. While I feared losing the best opportunity of my life, I didn’t. And my friend? They woke up from the coma.

I had been forgiven for my lifestyle and actions.

The story of Peter’s denial of Jesus is wellknown. He loved Jesus but was afraid and denied him publicly. How would you feel if you openly denied the Savior of the world? I’ve been there. And maybe, in some ways, you have too.

Here’s the most beautiful part of the story: Jesus forgave Peter. Jesus encouraged Peter three times—the same number of times Peter had denied him. This led Peter to become the leader of a new movement called the Church.

Jesus not only forgave him, but he turned Peter into a leader.

God is always willing to forgive and restore us, even when we are dead, crooked or broken. Even if the circumstances you’re in are your fault, there’s forgiveness and redemption available to you.

Nothing is too big or bad for God to forgive and redeem.

Scripture: John 21:15-17, 1 John 1:9