We don’t need to be told we all mess up, make mistakes, and well, flat out sin. The good news is that our failures need not define us. David committed adultery, Moses had anger issues, Rahab was a prostitute, Peter denied Christ, and Paul persecuted Christians. Each one of these Biblical figures is an example that God forgave them and then used them for His purpose and glory.

God forgave and Jesus was born of the House of David. Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, Rahab became a faithful follower of God, Peter was the rock upon which Jesus built His church, and Paul became an apostle and pillar of that church. Each life was a screenshot of God’s love and mercy. Each changed heart showcased His power to draw them to Him.

During my own struggles with grief, I suffered a “dark night of the soul” when the flame of faith in my heart went out and I denied the existence of God. In that emotion-filled storm, I did not call out the name of Jesus, nor did I have the strength to reach my hand up and ask for His help. Instead, the Lord of all Creation, in His limitless love, mercy and forgiveness reached down with both arms, lifted me up and filled me with His saving grace.

When you think you’re too far gone, when you think you are unforgiveable, think again. Jesus paid the ultimate sacrifice to redeem us from our sins and to make eternal life possible. He will never abandon us because we fall short, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future…nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)

When we are in pain because something we have done is separating us from God, Luke 15:7 reminds us “there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” It’s not about having a perfect report card, it’s about having a humble, contrite and willing heart. God loves turning sinners into saints, and when we ask for His forgiveness, He will give us immeasurably more than we ask or think of. (Eph. 3:20) And, He will use us for His glory.