Living Forward

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”

─ John 3:16-17 ESV

Depend on His Power

Most people at some point in life feel the familiar anxiety rise up in the pit of their stomach. Everyone makes mistakes. We do “stupid” things from time to time – whether it’s an emotional decision made in the moment of heightened feelings, something that seems to make sense on paper, a decision to go with the flow, cave to peer pressure or even choose to do something to please those we care about – only to suffer the consequences of that decision later. Maybe the consequences are drastic or overwhelming, like a financial ruin, or even loss of face, but it becomes a mountain of anxiety in the pit of our stomach as we untangle our way through the aftermath.

None of us is perfect; we all have failed in some way or another (Romans 3:23). When you fall short, whether it is a sin or a sincere mistake, Jesus did not come to condemn you; He came to save you. He died to pay for your sins and redeem you from that fallen nature.

Remember your heavenly Father deeply loves you. Today’s verse says it all. God loved you so much and wanted to have relationship with you, that he willingly gave his only Son in exchange for you. He promised that all who believe in Jesus will live with Him for all eternity. And the last part of the verse is so encouraging. Don’t beat yourself up over your past. Jesus didn’t come pointing a condemning finger at you, but instead to give you freedom!

What’s done is done. It’s important to repent, accept God’s forgiveness and forgive yourself. Then leave your past where it belongs – behind you. The past is your past for a reason. God didn’t create you to always be looking back. His plans for you are good. He has a future planned for you (Jeremiah 29:11).

Today’s One Thing

Do you feel bad about things you’ve done? Maybe even things you know God has forgiven you for? Choose today to let it go. Give it to God and don’t look back. Embrace the future God has for you by living forward. Accept the freedom Jesus’ sacrifice purchased for you. Take time and commit it to God by spending time in prayer with Him about it today.

Additional Reading

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