MoMoment by Monica Wood
Let me first say, that although the inspired devotional is directed to women the overall message is for all of us….we must forgive ourselves for past mistakes. So, my brothers, PLEASE on; I believe it will not only bless you, but also educate you.
Excerpts from Broken into Beautiful by Gwen Smith:
Simon Peter was a fisherman Jesus had called to be a fisher of men. His relationship with Christ was passionate and intimate, but far from perfect. He was a disciple, one of Jesus’ closest friends. Jesus called Peter “the rock”, and he would eventually go on to build the foundation of the Christian church.
Remarkably, Jesus knew Peter would betray Him, yet still extended advanced mercy as He said to him, “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:32).
God had a plan for Simon Peter way before Peter met and followed Jesus. And, even after meeting, following and witnessing Jesus’ acts of miracles, forgiveness, mercy, etc. Simon Peter would fail Jesus at a most crucial time. And, although it was a painful surprise to Peter when he denied knowing Jesus, it wasn’t a surprise to Jesus. And, it didn’t cancel out God’s plan for Peter’s life. That is the lesson we all should understand. NO MATTER WHAT you have done in your life, if you confess your sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive you of your sins and cleanse you from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
Something you did 10 years, 5 years, 1 year ago or even today, has not cancelled God’s plan for you. With each day you become wiser, stronger and better. The mistake(s) may have delayed it or you may have to get there from a different road than originally created, but trust and believe God knew that would be the case and placed alternative routes for you. No matter how you travel, find peace in knowing you will arrive.
However, there is one thing that could prevent you from reaching your destiny…YOU. You have to stop punishing yourself for your mistakes. You have to stop believing that your mistakes define you and have voided your future.
Look at all the mistakes Abraham made, AFTER God promised that He would make Abraham the father of many nations. Despite the mistakes, Abraham was blessed with Isaac.
Look at David…come on you know his story. David had favor being chosen over his brothers to serve Saul; killing Goliath; anointed King of Judah.; etc. But, he commits adultery with Bathsheba and has her husband killed. Although the Lord was displeased David was a man after God’s own heart.
And, I could go on.
Now, why would God give us these examples, if not to show us that one, He knows that we will make mistakes before we make them; and, two, no matter what they are, He forgives us and takes us to where He planned for us to be all along. Our life has a purpose. If it didn’t, we wouldn’t be here.
So, stop thinking your life is over. Stop thinking that what you did, said, etc. has cancelled your future. You deserve everything God has planned and desired for you and that you desire for yourself. Allow the second half of your life to be better than the first….especially now that you are older, wiser, stronger, better, SO MUCH BETTER.
As one of my favorite jazz singers, Dianne Reeves sings, “I don’t regret yesterday, for yesterday made me who I am today.” That is what I TRY to remember. Please know that as I am writing this for you, I am also writing it for me. I am SO hard on myself. I am guilty of allowing my past mistakes….and they are many….to guilt me into a place of safety. I think that I don’t deserve to be completely happy because of things I have done in the past. Or, I am fearful that if I become too happy in life my past might one day come back and disrupt it…so, let me just stay quiet and enjoy a little happiness. LIES FROM THE PIT OF HELL!
We must remember that Jesus died on the cross to save you and me. As the song goes and truly blessed me when the choir sung it at Communion, “He would not come down from the cross just to save himself. He decided to die just to save me.” And, if I believe that to be true than I must, we must, realize that when we don’t forgive ourselves, we are saying that we don’t believe Jesus suffered and died on the cross! How sad that must make Jesus feel. His death and resurrection should not be in vain.
God has forgiven you. Now, forgive yourself and watch how God uses your mistakes to not only strengthen you, but to bless someone else. That’s another message for another day…how your mistakes can become your ministry. Whew!
Walk in faith; live in love,
Mo Wood
