Forgiven and Free

I was an adulteress, but that is not what defines me. I am not defined by my biggest failures, past mistakes, sizeable sin, greatest accomplishments, or astounding achievements. My identity doesn't come from my job or a title, but it is found in the One who gave His life for me, Jesus Christ. He has given me a new name: redeemed, chosen, adopted, forgiven, daughter, royalty, and even masterpiece. When we truly repent before the only One who has the power to save our soul, He makes us new again, wiping our slate clean, and removing our "sins as far as the east is from the west." (Psalm 103:12) Because of what Jesus did for us on the cross, through the shedding of His blood, paying our sin debt in FULL, we are now seen by the Father as RIGHTEOUS. People may throw our past in our faces, reminding us of what we have done, but Jesus doesn't. He will never say to us, "Remember when you did .......?!" From His perspective, we have been made "new." Our slate is clean before His eyes. I don't know what you have done in your past, the shame or guilt you deal with on a daily basis, or the weight you are carrying. I don't know the internal struggle you may be having with going to Jesus. Maybe you are wondering how could you face the One who is without sin when you come with so much baggage. Maybe you are embarrassed with some of the decisions you made in your past and are choosing to hide from God rather than face Him. I want to remind you today, that Jesus loves and accepts you just as you are. Nothing you will say to Him will shock Him or come to Him as a surprise. "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:13) Jesus sees it all. He just wants you to yield and come. He desires a relationship with you. His Spirit will restore you, making you new again, if you will just seek Him, allowing Him to do His masterful work. I have often wondered recently how could God ever use me anymore. People have "disqualified" me. At times, I even "feel" disqualified myself! But, all throughout the Bible we get to hear stories of people just like me and you who have failed miserably, but GOD used them powerfully and mightily. "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong." (1 Corinthians 1:27) God wants our hearts, our availability. Our past isn't a hindrance to God even though it may be to some people. Pursue God. He has a plan and purpose for YOUR LIFE and He wants to use you to impact the Kingdom of God for all eternity! Will you let Him use you?!