Crossroads: Trusting Jesus or Hiding in Shame?
Photo by Naomi Suzuki
Jesus doesn’t change even when we expect Him to, and all of us go through times when we expect Him to. We make mistakes, we do our own thing and regret it, we come face to face with our sin.
We find ourselves at a crossroads.
Will we believe the truth of Jesus—that He loves us, that He has good plans for us, that He washes away sin and darkness, that He still wants us and doesn’t ever condemn us?
Or will we go the other way and hide from Him? That is what Adam and Eve did in the garden. When they messed up, they hid.
What will we choose?
If you are at a crossroads today, trying to decide if you’re going to trust what the Bible says about God’s faithful love, keep in mind that Jesus doesn’t change. Ever. On your best day and on your worst day, He remains the same. He loves you just as much today as He did before the event you feel ashamed of.
But believing this means venturing out from your hiding place and trusting Him.
Here are just some of the ways Jesus hasn’t changed in your life. These Bible-based statements are true when you feel like your life is going well, and they are still true when you feel steeped in shame and like a complete failure.
Hold these truths close to your heart, and let the Holy Spirit speak to you through them:
Jesus is my Lord (Phil. 2:11).
He is my safe place (Ps. 91:2).
He is the Lord of my home and of my future marriage (Josh. 24:15).
Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and He is the Ruler of my mind and heart (Isa. 9:6; Phil. 4:7).
I belong to the kingdom of light. All I know is the light of God (Col. 1:13).
I get to run to God whenever I need help (Heb. 4:16).
There is no condemnation for me (Rom. 8:1).
I am not my mistakes (Rom. 7:15–20).
Jesus forgives me completely when I repent. I am forgiven (1 John 1:9).
I am not separated from God. I am holy (Col. 1:21–22).
The abundant life of God surrounds me (John 10:10).
I am not shame and darkness. God has made me light (Matt. 5:14).
Beloved child of God, never be afraid to run to your heavenly Father. Don’t hide from Him—hide inside Him, because He’s your safe place. You are loved so very much, and He makes your sin vanish like the morning mist.
I have swept away your sins like a cloud.
I have scattered your offenses like the morning mist.
Oh, return to me,
for I have paid the price to set you free. (Isa. 44:22 NLT)
Do you want a future that looks radically different from your past?
Do you want to find healing and discover who you really are?
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