“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (2 Corinthians 5:17, NLT)
Casey thought surely she would be met at the door by security when she walked into the church earlier that day. But, she wasn’t. Instead, she slipped into a back pew and tried to be invisible, an art she had learned well. What was she doing here anyway? Oh, yeah. Religion was the only thing she hadn’t tried in an attempt to get her life straightened out. What could it hurt?
She was wrong, though, because it was painful as she sat there and listened to the preacher talk about forgiveness and salvation. She couldn’t remember ever experiencing forgiveness, and she didn’t understand the concept of salvation. This man couldn’t possibly have known her, but his words seemed to be aimed right at her. Had he talked to the police or her roommate or, God-forbid, her parents? Her insides shook.Now, lying in bed, she couldn’t get the preacher’s sermon out of her head. It was maddening, and she thought perhaps she was going crazy. When he said, “God loves you,” he looked directly at Casey. His following words made her squirm in her seat. “It doesn’t matter what you’ve done. Maybe it’s stealing or lying or even issues in the area of sex.” Casey’s heart stopped. She felt everyone’s eyes on her. Did they recognize her? She had tried to dress differently than her “normal,” but maybe it was impossible to conceal her lifestyle. She wanted to bolt, but then the man continued. “Whatever is in your past—and, I mean even yesterday, please know that God loves you. You can break away from it all and begin to live differently. He wants to offer His forgiveness and peace. He can help you if you let Him.”
Casey’s chest still ached, as if her heart was breaking. She thought about how he talked of being able to start over—to put everything behind you and become new. And, that God was the One who knew her best and still loved her the most.
But, how could He possibly love her? If He really knew all that she had done, even recently, He would not love her. Would He? So many people had told her that they loved her. But, in the end, it was only true when her actions fit their idea of “good.” And, once she blew that perception with a few mistakes years ago, there was no redemption and no going back.
But, this morning she heard about Jesus who did offer atonement. Did she dare believe it? Did she take a chance and put her trust in Someone she couldn’t even see?
She sighed. She had nothing to lose by giving God a chance. So, just like the preacher taught in church that morning, she prayed and asked for the Lord’s forgiveness and for a chance to start over.
What could it hurt?
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9, NIV)
“What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.” (Luke 12:6-7, NLT)
If you are struggling with your past or are not feeling loved or forgiven, know that God can help you to start over and be a “new creation.” Just pray and ask Him. He loves you so much!
©2013 Tammy Maseberg All Rights Reserved