Hebrews 12:2
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
It is startling how society, friends, and family can make us feel so low because of our past mistakes. Instead of offering support and encouragement, they predict our life story, which hinges on one mistake. They say it takes a lifetime to build a reputation and a second to destroy it; this is true because, in some cases, rarely are people remembered for their achievements but for their mistakes and bad decisions. Even if a person overcomes their past, it always seems to resurface. In Politics, to get a competitive advantage, opponents research and dig up negative information to defame one another’s character in hopes of winning the election. Sadly, because of society and our world, someone could have their life upside down in seconds because bad news always travels faster than good news. We have read and heard about celebrities whose bad decisions have ruined their reputation and careers, like a stain or blemish that is not removeable.
Many of you may believe your life story has concluded and the ending is final. However, I’m so glad there is one person who never gives up on you. No matter how low or far you think you’ve gotten, God will pick you up and rewrite your story. God makes a promise to us in Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good. To them that love God, to them who are the called. according to his purpose.” In this verse, God is not saying some things, but all things will work together for you. This means that your story is yet to be told. God still has a purpose for you to fulfill, and the world needs you. Your testimony will be the story used to give hope to the hopeless and lead others to salvation. People will be inspired and encouraged to know that the very thing they struggled with someone else did also but overcame it.
In Luke chapter seven, there is a story about a woman full of sin and viewed as unworthy. Yet when this woman heard that Jesus was passing through the city, she was determined to meet him. While others were gossiping about the sins she committed, her purpose and goal was to see Jesus. Once the woman approached Jesus, she began to wash his feet with her tears and dry them with her hair. This humble act of honor and reverence moved Jesus. His first and last words to her were, “Thy sins are forgiven” (Luke 7:48) and “Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace” (Luke 7:50). He did not remind her of all the sins she committed, but he favored her with grace, mercy, and forgiveness.
Sisters and brothers, God desires to do the same for you. Heartbreak, depression, sickness, and unemployment will not be your final chapters; God is drafting your next chapter. He said, “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither has entered into the heart of man, The things which God hath prepared for them that love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). Trust in him, God is going to finish what he started in your life.
Let us pray,
Father, I come to you thanking you that you are the author and finisher of our faith. I am thankful you will not write us off when we sin against you. But you are there to cleanse and restore our souls. Father, help us to seek repentance and allow you to complete what you have started in our lives in Jesus name, Amen.
Be blessed, my sisters and brothers!
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