Answers
Mistakes of the Past
By Yvonne Ortega
Guest Writer
CBN.com
– “I hate myself,” Barbie said as she wiped tears from her eyes. “I hate myself for being in prison when my mother died.”
“Your mother was a godly woman,” I said. “She’s at home in heaven and forgave you long ago.”
“But I haven’t forgiven myself,” she moaned. “I’m full of guilt and shame.”
Pete suffers from the pain of divorce. He relives all the things he said and did that destroyed the relationship. As a single parent, he senses the pain his children endure going from one parent’s home to the other, especially over the holidays.
Judy struggles with health problems because of poor eating habits and a lack of exercise. Harry is a recovering alcoholic but his drinking days left him with hepatitis C. Paul and Sherry take medication for genital herpes, a reminder of their promiscuous past.
You might be able to relate to Barbie, Pete, Judy, Harry, Paul, or Sherry.
God still loves them all, and He loves you too. No matter what you’ve done, God loves you. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for your sins. Tell God how sorry you are for your past wrongs. The last words of Jesus before his death were, “It is finished” (1). He didn’t say, “It is finished except for criminals, divorced people, those who damage their health, alcoholics, and a list of others too numerous to mention.” He simply said, “It is finished.”
Psalm 103: 10-13 (NIV) says:“He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him;
As far as the east is from the west,
So far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.”
Dear friend, God longs to give you “hope and a future” (2). You’ve attempted to control your life and it hasn’t worked. You can’t undo the past, but you can change the present and future with the Lord’s help. Surrender to God. Give Him a chance to mend your broken heart and transform your life into something beautiful. Nothing you’ve said or done will shock God or repulse Him. He waits to forgive you. Apologize to those you’ve hurt and make amends to the best of your ability. The promises of Psalm 103:10-13 and Jeremiah 29:11 can apply to your life now. Copy these verses and place them on your bathroom mirror, your kitchen cupboard, or wherever you’ll see them often. Make the words your personal prayer.
God is in the miracle business. He performed miracles in the past, and He still does. Hebrews 13:8 (NIV) says: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Now is the time to kneel or stand before the Lord, stretch your hands toward heaven, and accept the overflow of love, forgiveness, and peace that only He can give.
Do You Want a Relationship with God?
If you want this kind of relationship with God, pray this prayer right now:
Lord Jesus Christ, I believe that you took the pain of the cross to give me new life. I ask you to come into my life and to give me your peace and joy. I confess that I am a sinner -- that I have gone my own way and have done wrong. Please forgive me for my sins. I receive you now as my Lord and Savior. Please fill me with your Holy Spirit. Help me to follow you and to serve you all my life. Thank you, Lord Jesus. Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, you are now a child of God. The things of your old life have passed away and He has made all things new.
We want to join you in celebrating your new life. Please send us an e-mail to let us know that you prayed to receive Jesus as your Savior. Or you can call our Prayer Counseling Center at (800) 759-0700. A caring friend is available to talk with you and send you some resources to help you begin your walk with the Lord.
#1. John 19:30 NIV
#2. Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
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