Tommy was a high school jock. He broke all his high school records. He scored more points than anyone else had ever done. Tommy was on top of the world until one night he was arrested for selling drugs. Tommy had become addicted to prescription drugs, due to his sports injuries. He lost his scholarship and found himself all alone. His dreams of playing professional sports faded away. He became suicidal, depression ruled the day. He had been in and out of rehabilitation centers.
One day Tommy reached out for help. In doing so he found God. He was able to confess his sins. And with this confession came release. He was no longer held prisoner by his past. Like Tommy, many of us have done things in our past that hold us captive. We can’t find a way to forgive ourselves. Maybe we walked out on a marriage. Maybe we’ve abandoned our children. Maybe we’ve committed a serious crime.
But does this have to mean that we are without hope for the rest of our lives? In Isiah 59:1 we read, “Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear.” In other words, God shouts an emphatic “NO”. My grace and mercy can cover your sins. But that’s not all there is. God’s grace not only covers our sins, but it also provides us the strength to continue with life.
It doesn’t matter if your sin is coveting, lying, stealing or murder. God’s promise makes no distinction when He says, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool” (Isaiah 1:18b). The truth is, no matter how horrible your sin is, how low we sink, God’s grace will always be greater. If God has said he has forgotten your sin, then believe Him and move on. Listen to the Apostle Paul when he said, “Forget what is behind you and press on toward what lies ahead.” That’s why the front window shield is larger than the rearview mirror.
Now that you know the liberating freedom that comes from confessing your sins and trusting in God. Can I ask you to help others who are struggling with their past sins. Will you pay it forward? This is Jesse Walker with the Glenwood Church of Christ.
